Nepal in Turmoil as Gen-Z Protesters Topple Prime Minister
What we’re seeing in Nepal right now is nothing short of historic. A wave of protests, led largely by Generation Z, has shaken the political establishment to its core, ultimately forcing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. But behind the flames, the anger, and the chaos, there’s a much deeper story about frustration, inequality, and the future of an entire generation.
It all began with what looked like a small movement online. Young Nepalis, tired of seeing politicians’ children flaunt designer handbags and luxury vacations while the majority of people struggled to make ends meet, took their frustrations to social media. At first, it was a peaceful expression of discontent. But when the government decided to ban more than two dozen social media platforms – including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp – that decision acted as the final spark. The ban silenced the very platforms young people relied on, not just for expression but also for staying in touch with family members working abroad.
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From there, the movement exploded. Within days, Kathmandu was engulfed in chaos. Tens of thousands filled the streets, and symbols of state power – the parliament, the Supreme Court, even ministries inside the historic Singha Durbar complex – were set on fire. Drone footage showed protesters storming government officials’ homes, and eventually, even the prime minister’s private residence was ransacked and burned.
The human toll has been devastating. More than 30 people have lost their lives, and over a thousand have been injured. The government’s heavy-handed response – using live ammunition, water cannons, and tear gas – only fueled more anger. Several ministers resigned in the aftermath, but that did little to calm the unrest. Oli himself stepped down, citing the “extraordinary situation” in the country. His resignation was met with celebration in some corners, but also with grief for the lives lost and fear of what might come next.
At the heart of this movement is a generation that feels sidelined. Youth unemployment in Nepal has been hovering around 20%, forcing countless young people to leave the country for jobs abroad. In fact, remittances from overseas workers make up nearly a third of Nepal’s GDP. That reliance on migration has left many young Nepalis disillusioned with their leaders, believing the system works only for the elite.
Now, Nepal finds itself in a precarious position. The president has called for dialogue, and the army has appealed for calm. There is talk of forming an interim government, with former chief justice Sushila Karki being floated as a possible leader. But legal and constitutional hurdles stand in the way. In the meantime, protesters continue to demand not just new leadership, but leadership that reflects their generation – leaders who can understand and address their struggles.
What happens next is uncertain. For now, the streets of Kathmandu are under curfew, soldiers patrol with rifles, and charred buildings still smolder. Yet in the ashes of this unrest, a powerful message has been sent: Nepal’s Gen Z is no longer content to sit quietly on the sidelines. They want accountability, they want change, and they are demanding a future that feels like their own.
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