Nepal's Youth Rise Up in Anti-Corruption Protests Following PM Resignation

Sat Sep 13 2025 23:09:19 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Amid escalating anti-corruption protests in Nepal, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned, laying bare the frustrations of a generation demanding change and accountability.

As anti-corruption protests sweep across Nepal, fueled by allegations against government officials, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, responding to the protests that turned deadly. Thousands of young demonstrators, many of whom identify as Gen Z, express their discontent over corruption and a recent ban on social media. This uprising has prompted discussions about governance reform as the government struggles to regain control amid significant public unrest.

Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned in the wake of public outrage over the killing of 21 people in police clashes with anti-corruption protesters.

His office said he had stepped down to pave the way for a constitutional solution to the massive youth-led protests over widespread allegations of corruption, sparked by a social media ban that has since been withdrawn.

The protests turned violent as thousands—many identifying themselves as Gen Z on placards and banners—took to the streets of Kathmandu on Monday.

Almost 200 people are believed to have been injured in clashes with police, who used tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition as protesters scaled the walls of the parliament and other official buildings.

The protests continued on Tuesday, with demonstrators setting fire to the headquarters of the Nepali Congress Party and the home of former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. The homes of several other politicians have also been vandalized.

Social media is a big part of Nepali life, and the demonstrations were triggered by the government's decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, for failing to meet a registration deadline.

Critics accused the government of seeking to stifle an anti-corruption campaign with the ban, which was repealed on Monday night. However, the discontent also highlights deeper issues within the country's governance.

Youth-led protests across major cities have seen students rallying in unison, showcasing a blend of anger, frustration, and aspiration for change.

Now, in the aftermath of the Prime Minister's resignation, the protesters are calling for accountability and governance reforms, while many analysts warn that further unrest could escalate if their demands are not addressed.