A wave of public anger just swept Nepal’s Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, right out of office. His resignation came on September 9th, a direct result of fierce anti-corruption protests that had been shaking the nation.
Thousands of people had taken to the streets. They burned tires and tossed rocks at police, sending plumes of black smoke into the sky. Many filmed the chaos on their phones and shared it online. They defied an indefinite curfew, showing no signs of backing down.
This wasn’t just a sudden outburst. It was a roar from a younger generation, angry at a government they felt ignored rampant corruption. These young people also saw their future dimming, with few good job prospects or chances to get ahead. Organizers even called it a “Gen Z movement.”
The situation turned dangerous well before Oli’s resignation. An earlier decision by the government to ban social media had sparked real violence. That unrest left 19 people dead and over a hundred injured. While the social media ban was eventually lifted, the fury only grew stronger.
The anger targeted more than just policies. Protesters attacked and damaged the homes of many top politicians. This included the residences of Prime Minister Oli himself and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Even the main offices of political parties weren’t safe. Some government ministers had to escape by military helicopter.
Before stepping down, Oli tried to gather political parties for talks. He emphasized that violence was harmful and that everyone needed to find peaceful solutions. Yet, the pressure was too great. His signed statement explained that he resigned to “pave the way for a constitutional solution to the current crisis.” But his departure simply pushed the country into fresh political uncertainty.
The protests weren’t confined to the capital. They spread to many cities across the nation. People living near the India-Nepal border even started walking towards Kathmandu to join. The smoke from the protests got so thick it forced Kathmandu International Airport to stop flights from the south. Air traffic officials said it was a safety measure.
One protester, speaking to Reuters, summed up their demands clearly. “We are still here for our future,” they said. “We want a country free from corruption. Everyone deserves good schools, hospitals, and better chances in life.” The country now waits to see what comes next.
Source: Reuters