Nepal plunged into fresh political uncertainty on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, after Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned following days of intense youth-led protests against corruption and government overreach.
Oli, 73, stepped down amid mounting pressure from demonstrators who defied a government-imposed curfew and clashed violently with police in Kathmandu and other major cities. The protests, largely driven by young Nepalis frustrated with corruption and unemployment, erupted after the government imposed ~ and later lifted ~ a controversial ban on several social media platforms.
“In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution,” Oli stated in his resignation letter submitted to President Ramchandra Paudel.
The unrest reached a deadly climax on Monday, with 19 people killed and over 100 injured after security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters attempting to storm parliament. Despite the violence, protests continued unabated on Tuesday, marking one of the most serious internal crises Nepal has faced in decades.
President Paudel’s office confirmed that consultations have begun to identify a new prime minister. The president also reportedly invited protest leaders for dialogue. Meanwhile, Army Chief General Ashok Sigdel was scheduled to address the nation later in the day.
Government Buildings Torched
As news of Oli’s resignation spread, jubilant protesters flooded the streets, some entering the parliament complex waving flags and chanting slogans. Others scrawled messages on government walls, with one reading simply, “We won.”
While celebrations took place in the capital, tensions remained high. Protesters reportedly set fire to the Prime Minister’s private residence and several government offices within the Singha Durbar complex, which houses key ministries and parliament.
Witnesses also claimed that homes of senior politicians were targeted by arsonists. Local media reports indicated that several ministers, including Foreign Minister Arzu Rana and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, were evacuated by military helicopters. Footage circulating on social media appeared to show former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other leaders being attacked, although these claims could not be independently verified.
Curfew Defied, Airport Closed
Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport was shut down temporarily due to heavy smoke from burning tires and buildings, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Despite an indefinite curfew declared by authorities, thousands of protesters continued to gather across Kathmandu and in other cities. In several areas, police were pelted with stones and chased through narrow alleys, as demonstrators demanded sweeping political reforms.
The protests have been dubbed “demonstrations by Gen Z,” reflecting the growing influence of a younger generation increasingly active in civic issues. Many young Nepalis blame the government for failing to tackle corruption and create job opportunities, forcing millions to seek employment abroad, primarily in the Gulf states, South Korea, and Malaysia.
“The protest was intended, first and foremost, against the rampant corruption in government,” read an email sent to Reuters by a protester identifying as “A concerned Nepali citizen.” The email also condemned the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ families, frequently documented and criticized on social media prior to the government’s attempted ban.
Cabinet Resignations and Political Fallout
Oli, who was sworn in for his fourth term as prime minister in July last year, had convened an all-party meeting earlier on Tuesday, calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. He did not directly address the corruption allegations fueling the protests.
Two of Oli’s cabinet ministers resigned late Monday, citing “moral grounds.” Their departure added to the mounting political pressure on the ruling administration.
Since the abolition of Nepal’s monarchy in 2008, the country has faced repeated political upheaval, cycling through 14 prime ministers in just over 15 years. With Oli’s departure, Nepal once again finds itself in a state of transition, as leaders scramble to restore calm and address the demands of a restless generation.
