Nepal Protests Force Government Change Amid Corruption

Dikpal Khatri Chhetri

CIVICUS discusses the recent protests that led to a change of government in Nepal with Dikpal Khatri Chhetri, co-founder of Youth in Federal Discourse (YFD), a youth-led organisation advocating for democracy, civic engagement, and young people’s empowerment.

Deadly protests over social media ban

In September, Nepal’s government blocked 26 social media platforms, sparking mass protests led mainly by Generation Z. Police responded with live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons, killing more than 70 people.

Although the social media ban was quickly lifted, demonstrations continued over the killings and widespread corruption. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, and an interim government has taken power, with new elections scheduled within six months.

What triggered the protests?

The government required social media companies to register locally, and when they failed to comply, it blocked 26 platforms including Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Signal, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), and YouTube.

Authorities said the goal was to create a legal contact point for content moderation and ensure compliance with national regulations. But many young people saw it as an attempt to silence dissent. For Gen Z, social media is not only entertainment but also a space for political debate, anti-corruption activism, and organising.

The ban became the final straw after years of frustration with corruption and a political elite seen as disconnected from ordinary citizens. On TikTok, the “NepoKids” trend exposed the privileges of politicians’ families, intensifying anger among youth.

What began as outrage over restrictions on free expression soon evolved into a nationwide movement for transparency, accountability, and an end to systemic corruption.

How did the government react?

Instead of dialogue, the government responded with force. Police used rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons, and in many cases fired live rounds. By the end of the first day, 19 people had been killed.

Using live ammunition against unarmed protesters is a grave human rights violation. Authorities claimed demonstrators entered restricted zones near key government buildings, but evidence — including footage and post-mortem reports — showed that many victims were shot in the head, suggesting intent to inflict severe harm rather than simply disperse crowds.

Rather than suppressing dissent, the violence intensified public anger. Protests grew, now focused on both corruption and the killings. Authorities imposed strict curfews in major cities.

The political fallout was swift. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, taking responsibility for the bloodshed, followed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. An interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has since taken charge. Parliament was dissolved, and new elections are expected within six months.

What comes next?

Protesters are demanding systemic change. Corruption permeates every level of government, and citizens are weary of leaders who have ruled for decades without improving lives.

They want a government that is transparent, efficient, and free from bribery, favouritism, and political interference — one that truly serves its citizens.

Dikpal Khatri Chhetri stressed that Nepal must uphold the spirit of its constitution, strengthen its implementation, and ensure it reflects the country’s diversity and future challenges.

The upcoming election will be a crucial test. Generation Z must vote in large numbers, communicate clear demands, and ensure that the energy from the streets translates into real political reform in parliament.