Nepal Erupts: Protests, Resignations, and a Generation Demanding Change
Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal is in crisis. Mass protests triggered by a government ban on social media have escalated into widespread unrest, resulting in at least 22 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The dramatic upheaval has already forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his cabinet to resign,leaving the nation grappling with political instability and a furious youth movement demanding systemic change.What Happened?
The immediate catalyst for the violence was the government’s decision on September 3rd to ban 26 social media platforms, ostensibly to combat the spread of “fake news, misinformation and disinformation.” However, this move was widely condemned as a blatant attempt to stifle dissent, notably by the country’s burgeoning Generation Z.The ban ignited simmering frustrations, and following the deaths of protesters on September 8th, demonstrations spiralled into widespread chaos. Reports indicate that angry demonstrators burned down government buildings – including the parliament and supreme court – and targeted the residences of several politicians, many of whom have gone into hiding. The Nepal Army is now mobilizing troops in an attempt to restore order, though a formal transfer of power remains unresolved.
A Generation Reaches its Breaking Point
This latest crisis isn’t a sudden eruption, but the culmination of decades of unmet promises and systemic failings.Nepal has a long history of political upheaval, witnessing major uprisings in 1990 and 2006 that demanded essential political reforms. However, successive governments have failed to deliver on the hopes for lasting change.
What is new this time is the driving force behind the protests: Nepal’s Generation Z.Comprising roughly 40% of the nation’s nearly 30 million people, this digitally native generation has grown up amidst constant political instability – Nepal has seen 14 governments in the last 15 years alone.
While the country transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a federal republic in 2008, with a new constitution adopted in 2015, these changes have done little to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Despite some improvements in infrastructure, deep-rooted issues of inequality, political corruption, elitism, and nepotism persist. Adding fuel to the fire is a national unemployment rate exceeding 10%, soaring to over 20% for young people.
Social Media as a Battleground
For Nepal’s Gen Z,social media isn’t just a platform for entertainment; it’s a vital space for political expression and organization,particularly given perceptions of bias within traditional media. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become powerful tools for holding the political elite accountable.Trending hashtags like #Nepobaby expose the stark contrast between the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children and the struggles faced by young people forced to seek opportunities abroad.
The government’s ban on these platforms was therefore seen as a direct assault on freedom of expression and a desperate attempt to silence a growing chorus of dissent. The frustration quickly spread, transforming online anger into real-world protests.
What’s Next?
The situation in Nepal remains volatile.the deployment of the army signals a serious escalation, and the lack of a clear path to a new government raises concerns about further instability. The international community is calling for a prompt and obvious investigation into the deaths of protesters, and for respect for the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
