Nepal protests have reached historic levels as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following deadly demonstrations across the country. The unrest marks the worst civil disturbances Nepal has faced in decades, triggered by widespread anger over the deaths of 19 anti-corruption protesters during clashes with police on Monday.
On Tuesday, protesters set fire to the parliament building in Kathmandu, sending thick black smoke into the sky. Across Nepal, government offices and politicians’ residences were attacked as public anger boiled over. Authorities confirmed three additional deaths on Tuesday. Amid the chaos, prison officials reported that 900 inmates escaped from two western district prisons, adding to the growing crisis.
The demonstrations were sparked by a government ban on 26 social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. Millions of Nepalis rely on these platforms for news, entertainment, and business. While the ban was lifted on Monday, it had already triggered a mass movement focused on anti-corruption and political reform.
Nepal’s army chief issued a statement warning that demonstrators were taking advantage of the crisis to damage, loot, and set fire to public and private property. The statement indicated that if unrest continued, security forces, including the Nepal Army, would take control from 22:00 local time.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, a four-time leader of the Communist Party, resigned to allow a constitutional solution to the crisis. He said in a letter to President Ramchandra Paudel that his resignation was intended to resolve the political impasse. President Paudel accepted the resignation and has begun discussions for appointing a new leader.
The immediate successor remains unclear, and several ministers have reportedly taken refuge with security forces. Despite Oli’s resignation, protests continue across the country, reflecting widespread frustration with the political elite and longstanding corruption issues.
Hundreds of protesters celebrated outside parliament, dancing and chanting slogans while holding Nepal’s flag. Some entered the building, breaking windows and leaving graffiti targeting the government.
Kathmandu resident Muna Shreshta, 20, told the BBC that the demonstrations reflect long-standing frustrations with corruption. She said taxes should benefit the nation’s growth and expressed hope that the political change would bring positive reforms.
The protests gained momentum following a social media campaign exposing the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, known as the “nepo kid” movement. Young people led the charge, attempting to storm parliament and demanding accountability.
Authorities imposed curfews in several districts as protests escalated. Key targets included the Nepali Congress Party headquarters and the homes of political leaders, including KP Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The political future of Nepal remains uncertain. The protests have no organized leadership, but public demands for anti-corruption reforms and greater accountability are clear. The government’s response, including lifting the social media ban, has not quelled the unrest, which continues to dominate headlines and public attention.
Nepal protests signal a turning point in the nation’s political history, reflecting the power of youth-led movements and public demands for transparency and justice.
