Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stepped down following days of violent Nepal protests in which 22 people were killed during clashes with police. His resignation comes after growing public outrage at the government’s handling of youth-led demonstrations that began in response to a ban on major social media platforms.
According to BBC, the protests started after the government blocked 26 apps including Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, citing failure to register with the Ministry of Communication.
Critics said the ban was an attempt to silence an anti-corruption movement. Although the ban was lifted on Monday night, the demonstrations grew into a broader call against corruption in Nepal’s leadership.
How the protests turned violent
Thousands of mostly young protesters took to the streets of Kathmandu and other cities carrying placards identifying themselves as Gen Z. Police used tear gas, water cannons, batons and live ammunition to disperse crowds. Nearly 200 people were injured.
Nineteen protesters died on Monday after scaling the walls of parliament and other official buildings. On Tuesday, demonstrators set fire to the parliament building, the Nepali Congress Party headquarters and the home of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
At least three more people were killed that day, bringing the death toll to 22.
Doctors told BBC Nepali that hospitals treated gunshot wounds and injuries from rubber bullets. Police also reported officers were among the wounded.
Why the social media ban triggered anger
Social media is central to daily life in Nepal, which has one of South Asia’s highest usage rates.
The government’s decision to block platforms sparked frustration among students and young professionals who rely on them for study resources, work and communication.
For many protesters, the ban symbolised a larger effort to silence free speech while corruption persisted.
“Gen Z will not stop now. This protest is about more than just social media – it’s about silencing our voices, and we won’t let that happen,” content creator Subhana Budhathoki told BBC Nepali.
Who is leading Nepal now?
Prime Minister Oli’s resignation leaves Nepal without a clear leader.
On Tuesday evening, Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel accused demonstrators of “damaging, looting and setting fire to public and private property” and warned the army could intervene if violence continued.
The protests, however, have no single leader. They began with social media callouts and are sustained by youth collectives and student groups across Kathmandu, Pokhara and Itahari.
Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah is the only major political figure openly backing protesters, calling for restraint online.
What happens next?
While Oli has resigned, it is unclear who will take charge of the government.
Protesters have defied a strict curfew in Kathmandu and beyond. Some ministers are reported to have taken refuge with security forces.
Demonstrators continue to demand an end to corruption and reforms in governance.
With no central leadership guiding the protests, and with students and civil society groups joining in, the future of Nepal’s political stability remains uncertain.