Nepal's Prime Minister Ousted Amid Deadly Protests

Nepal’s political landscape was upended this week as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down on September 9, 2025, following the deadliest unrest the country has seen in decades. The crisis was triggered by the government’s abrupt ban on 26 major social media platforms—including Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube—on September 4, citing non-compliance with new registration rules. The move, intended to enforce the Social Media Management Directive 2023, was met with immediate backlash, particularly from Nepal’s youth, who rely heavily on these platforms for communication, activism, and economic opportunity.

The protests began peacefully but escalated rapidly after police killed 19 demonstrators, including a 12-year-old, during clashes on September 8. By September 9, thousands of mostly Gen Z protesters had stormed the Federal Parliament building in Kathmandu, breaching police barricades, torching government offices, and vandalizing vehicles. The violence spread to other key government sites, including the Supreme Court and the residences of top officials. According to Nepal’s National Human Rights Commission, at least 30 protesters and three police officers have died, with over 1,000 people injured nationwide.

Roots of the Unrest

While the immediate spark was the social media ban, the protests were fueled by deeper grievances. Many young Nepalis, organized by groups like Hami Nepal and supported by figures such as Kathmandu’s mayor Balendra Sha, voiced anger over entrenched corruption, nepotism, and a lack of economic opportunity. The phrase “Nepo babies” trended online, highlighting frustration with the privileges enjoyed by the children of political elites. The government’s attempt to restrict online speech and control digital platforms was seen as the latest in a series of moves to stifle dissent and limit freedom of expression.

Political Fallout and Regional Impact

The government’s heavy-handed response—including curfews, use of tear gas, and live ammunition—only intensified public outrage. As the death toll mounted and international attention grew, Prime Minister Oli and several cabinet members resigned. The army was deployed to restore order in Kathmandu, and curfews remain in effect across the capital. The crisis has drawn comparisons to recent youth-led uprisings in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, where similar frustrations with corruption and economic hardship led to the ouster of national leaders.

International observers, including India’s Ministry of External Affairs, have issued advisories for their citizens in Nepal and increased security along the border. The events have raised questions about the stability of Nepal’s democracy and the ability of its next government to address the demands of a restless, digitally connected generation. As the country mourns its dead and counts the cost of the violence, the future of Nepal’s political order remains uncertain, with many watching to see whether the new leadership will heed the calls for reform or face further unrest.