Kenya, Sept. 9 -- Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has stepped down following extensive protests against corruption, which escalated into violent clashes resulting in 19 fatalities and numerous injuries throughout the country.
The bold decision, revealed by his assistant Prakash Silwal, comes after two days of fervent demonstrations led by Gen Z in Kathmandu and other areas, where young activists called for an end to government corruption, nepotism, and a recently lifted social media ban that sparked the protests.
The turmoil started on September 7 when officials restricted access to 26 widely used apps, such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, claiming they had not registered with the appropriate regulators.
This triggered a swift response from Nepal's tech-savvy youth, who saw it as a desperate attempt to stifle free expression amidst growing frustration over deep-rooted corruption scandals.
By Monday, the protests had grown into large rallies, with demonstrators shouting "KP Chor, Desh Chhod"-which means "KP thief, leave the country"-and demanding action against corrupt leaders.The police response escalated violently in Kathmandu, leading to the use of rubber bullets and live ammunition, which tragically resulted in 17 fatalities in the city and two additional deaths in the Sunsari district.
More than 400 injuries have been reported, including among security personnel, as crowds ignored curfews and set tyres ablaze to obstruct roads. Oli's time in office, marking his fourth term as premier since July 2024 in partnership with the Nepali Congress, has been overshadowed by claims of cronyism and favouritism.
For a long time, critics have highlighted the administration's inability to tackle the pervasive corruption in public contracts and resource distribution, problems that have hindered Nepal's delicate economy in the aftermath of the earthquake and pandemic.
The shutdown of social media only heightened these concerns, as activists took to various platforms to organise efforts and reveal alleged embezzlement in infrastructure projects.Before Oli's decision, three ministers, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari, had resigned on moral grounds, indicating a cabinet in disarray.
When the news of the resignation spread, excited crowds surged into Singha Durbar, the government complex, pushing past gates and causing damage to the buildings.Demonstrators ignited flames at Oli's personal residence in Bhaktapur and aimed their actions at the homes of other officials, such as President Ram Chandra Paudel and Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung.
Tribhuvan International Airport suspended all flights due to security concerns, and transport unions announced an indefinite nationwide strike, bringing the Himalayan nation to a standstill.
According to reports, the army chief suggested that Oli resign to facilitate a constitutional transition, which would allow for an all-party meeting to determine the next steps in accordance with Article 77 of the constitution.
In his letter of resignation to the president, Oli referred to the "extraordinary situation" and emphasised the necessity for a political solution to bring back order.
As the protests against corruption continue, lingering questions arise regarding accountability for the violence and the need for more profound reforms.Young leaders are determined to persist until a temporary government pledges to implement anti-corruption initiatives, reflecting a collective demand for transparency in the governance of Nepal.
As borders remain vigilant and the world observes closely, Oli's departure signifies a crucial turning point. However, genuine transformation requires prompt justice for those affected and a decisive effort to tackle the corruption that ignited this turmoil.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.