Nepal Protests: Gen Z's Uprising and the Uncertain Future
A wave of protests in Nepal, spearheaded by Gen Z, has led to the resignation of the prime minister and the most intense social unrest the country has witnessed in years. The movement, initially sparked by discontent over the lavish lifestyles of political elites, now faces the complex challenge of determining what comes next for the nation.
The Spark and Escalation of Unrest
The protests began in early September, fueled by anger over rising youth unemployment, a lack of economic opportunities, and a perceived widening gap between the elite and ordinary citizens. The situation was further exacerbated by a government ban on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, which many saw as a suppression of free speech.
“The buildup of the frustration was what led to this movement,” said Sareesha Shrestha, a protester, describing the social media ban as the “last straw.” The demonstrations quickly escalated after police used live ammunition, water cannons, and tear gas against protesters near the federal parliament building in Kathmandu. The clashes resulted in nearly 19 deaths and hundreds of injuries on Monday alone.
Violence and Widespread Outrage
In response to the government's crackdown, protests swelled as people of all ages defied curfews. Demonstrators targeted government buildings, setting fire to parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Singha Durbar, a major government complex. Video footage showed protesters allegedly ransacking the private residence of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli before setting it alight. Thirty people have been reported dead, and over 1,000 wounded according to the health ministry.
“(Gen Z) demanded accountability and fair investigation for this corruption, the luxury lifestyle of this, all these corrupted politicians’ kids,” said Shree Gurung, a protester. “But unfortunately, what we saw (was) the government using excessive forces and killing, murdering these youths.”
Resignation and Aftermath
Facing immense pressure, KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday, citing “the extraordinary situation” in the country. The Nepali Army has appealed for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, urging restraint to prevent further loss of life. The streets of Kathmandu are now largely quiet, with soldiers enforcing a nationwide curfew amidst charred debris and smoldering buildings. The main international airport has reopened after a 24-hour closure.
The Path Forward: Uncertainty and Calls for Change
The future of Nepal remains uncertain. President Ramchandra Paudel has called for a "peaceful resolution" and urged youth protesters to engage in dialogue. Former chief justice Sushila Karki has emerged as a potential candidate to head an interim government. However, there are legal and constitutional hurdles to her appointment.
- Gen Z protesters are seeking new leadership with greater representation from their generation.
- Many express concerns about potential targeting of peaceful protesters by the government.
- A 24-year-old law student from Kathmandu, requesting anonymity, stated, "We are scared that students who protested peacefully will also be targeted."
The unrest reflects deeper issues within Nepal, including a youth unemployment rate of 20.8% (World Bank, 2024), forcing many young people to seek work abroad. Personal remittances contribute over a third (33.1%) of Nepal's GDP. The toppling of the prime minister marks a significant victory for the protesters, but the long-term implications for Nepal's political landscape remain to be seen.
