Nepal Appoints First Female PM Sushila Karki Amidst Deadly Protests and Political Turmoil

Nepal Appoints First Female PM Amidst Social Media Ban Protests

Following deadly protests sparked by a proposed social media ban, corruption concerns, and wealth inequality, Nepal has appointed its first female Prime Minister, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. The appointment aims to quell the unrest that has gripped the nation, leaving dozens dead and thousands injured.

The Catalyst: Social Media Ban and Public Outrage

The initial spark for the protests was a government attempt to ban social media platforms. This move, coupled with deep-seated frustrations over corruption and wealth inequality, ignited widespread outrage, particularly among the youth. The protests turned violent, resulting in clashes with police and leading to the resignation of the previous prime minister.

• The proposed ban on social media triggered immediate backlash.
• Underlying issues of corruption and inequality fueled the intensity of the protests.
• Violence escalated, resulting in fatalities and widespread unrest.

Discord as a Digital Parliament

In the wake of the government's collapse and the imposition of curfews, Nepalis have turned to Discord, a platform popular among gamers, to discuss the country's future. Sid Ghimiri, a content creator, described Discord as "the Parliament of Nepal right now," highlighting its role in facilitating national political decision-making during this period of turmoil. This innovative use of technology underscores the importance of digital spaces in contemporary political discourse.

Sushila Karki Appointed Interim Prime Minister

President Ramchandra Paudel appointed Sushila Karki as interim prime minister on Friday. Karki, the only woman to have served as chief justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, is seen as an anticorruption voice and a consensus candidate acceptable to many Gen Z groups involved in the protests, according to Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride. Her appointment marks a significant moment in Nepal's political history.

The Aftermath and Ongoing Challenges

While shops have begun reopening and normalcy may be returning to Kathmandu, the country still faces significant challenges. Thousands of prisoners remain on the run after escaping during the unrest. The army has recovered over 100 looted guns. Nepal, wedged between India and China, has struggled with political and economic instability since the abolition of its monarchy in 2008, and is facing a "long period of political uncertainty," according to McBride.