Nepal in Crisis After Deadly Gen-Z Protests Force PM Out

Protestors torched the administrative headquarters of Nepal, the palace of Singha Durbar. This was one of several public properties that were set alight.

Nepal has entered a new era of constitutional and political crisis after deadly protests led by a deeply frustrated young generation (Gen-Z). Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday as unrest spiralled out of control.

Gen-Z protesters took to the streets on Monday against corruption, nepotism, and a social media ban. Security forces opened fire, killing at least 19 people in a single day—one of the deadliest protest days in Nepal’s history. So far, at least 24 people have been confirmed dead in the ongoing unrest.

The government’s decision to ban most social media platforms last week triggered the demonstrations. TikTok and Reddit users initially organised peaceful protests, but tensions quickly escalated. With nearly 30 million citizens, the Himalayan nation now faces deep uncertainty.

On Tuesday, several government offices, courthouses, and even the parliament building were set on fire. Homes of political leaders were also torched. Oli, initially reluctant, submitted his resignation citing “the extraordinary situation.”

President Ramchandra Paudel later called for dialogue, urging Gen-Z representatives to come forward for peaceful talks. Kathmandu’s mayor, Balen Shah, appealed to young protesters to stop destroying public property, warning that the future of the country lay in their hands.

The Nepal Army was deployed nationwide by Tuesday evening. The army chief also encouraged protesters to engage in dialogue with the president to find solutions.

International concern is growing. UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the escalating violence, urging security forces to show restraint. He stressed that “violence is not the answer” and that dialogue was essential. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also expressed sadness over the loss of life and called for restraint.

The UN Country Team in Nepal reminded authorities that law enforcement responses must remain proportionate and in line with international human rights standards. UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer-Hamdy described the violence as “so unlike Nepal.”

Nepal has long struggled with political instability, having seen more than a dozen governments since becoming a republic in 2008 after abolishing the monarchy. A decade after adopting a new constitution in 2015, the country once again finds itself in political turmoil.