Nepal was rocked by dramatic events this September, as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following days of nationwide protests fueled by anger over corruption and a controversial ban on major social media platforms. The demonstrations, spearheaded by Gen Z activists and students, quickly escalated into the most widespread unrest Nepal has seen in recent history.
The government’s ban on 26 social media networks—including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—was officially justified as a campaign against misinformation, but was widely viewed as an attempt to suppress criticism and conceal corruption. The ban triggered outrage among young Nepalis who had been using social media platforms to expose the lavish lifestyles of political families and highlight persisting inequality.
As the movement grew, tens of thousands took to the streets in Kathmandu and other cities, demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister and the formation of an independent watchdog to combat graft. Peaceful marches turned violent when security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and eventually live ammunition. At least 19 people died and hundreds were injured in clashes across the country.
With public pressure mounting and members of the government resigning, Prime Minister Oli announced his own resignation. In an effort to ease tensions, the government reversed the social media ban and imposed curfews in several cities. Despite the crackdown, the protests have united Nepal’s youth and older generations in demanding real change and greater accountability from political leaders.
