On September 9, 2025, Nepal's Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli has officially resigned, marking a dramatic end to his tenure amid widespread youth-led protests against corruption and government overreach. His aide, Prakash Silwal, confirmed the resignation to Reuters, stating it occurred on Tuesday afternoon as demonstrators clashed with police and defied an indefinite curfew in Kathmandu. This comes just one day after violent confrontations that left at least 19 protesters dead and over 300 injured, with reports of police firing on crowds.
What caused this protest?
The unrest, largely driven by Nepal's Gen Z youth and students, erupted over allegations of widespread corruption, nepotism in government appointments, and a controversial nationwide ban on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and WhatsApp. The ban was imposed for platforms failing to register under new regulations but was lifted hours before Oli's resignation, failing to quell the anger.
Demonstrations began on Monday and intensified into Tuesday, with crowds storming government buildings, including Oli's office, and setting fire to the private residences of top leaders, such as former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's home and Oli's own property in Balkot. The Nepali Congress party office was also torched. Three ministers, including the Home and Agriculture Ministers, had already resigned in the preceding hours.
Official reports indicate 19 deaths from Monday's clashes alone, with hundreds more injured. Protesters, many waving Nepal's national flag and holding signs demanding accountability, continued to defy security forces, leading to further skirmishes.
Oli's resignation dissolves his coalition government, plunging Nepal into a political crisis. Under the constitution, President Ram Chandra Paudel must now invite the largest parliamentary party to form a new government or call for elections if no majority can be mustered within 30 days. ents unfold rapidly.
