Nepal PM out,Army in: Lifting layers of Gen Z anger triggered by social media ban & complex politics

 

PM Oli Resigns as Gen Z Protests Rock Nepal

 Social media ban sparks youth-led uprising; 19 killed in clashes as army restores order

Kathmandu | Sept 10, 2025

Nepal was thrown into political turmoil on Tuesday after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down, following weeks of unprecedented Gen Z–driven protests against corruption and a controversial social media ban. The unrest spiraled into deadly violence that killed 19 people, prompted the Nepal Army to intervene, and underscored the country’s deep-rooted instability.

 A Ban That Sparked a Firestorm

 The Oli government’s sudden ban on 26 social media apps, including WhatsApp and Facebook, ignited public fury. For Nepal’s large diaspora—more than 8% of the population lives abroad—these platforms are vital to stay connected and to manage the remittances that sustain their families. The blackout symbolized a government out of touch with ordinary people.

Youth at the Forefront

Anger quickly spread among Nepal’s Gen Z population, already frustrated with joblessness, rising inequality, and entrenched corruption. The #NepoKid campaign, which went viral online, targeted the children of political elites flaunting lavish lifestyles, further enraging young demonstrators.

 Clashes and Army Intervention

 Protests escalated into pitched street battles. Government offices were set ablaze, police opened fire, and dozens were injured. With law and order collapsing, the Nepal Army was deployed, an unusual step that highlighted the seriousness of the crisis.

 An Economy on Edge

 Nepal’s economy is remittance-dependent, with migrant workers sending home funds equal to 33% of GDP—the fourth highest in the world. The communication blackout jeopardized this lifeline, making the protests not only political but deeply economic.

 A Cycle of Instability

 Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, Nepal has seen 14 prime ministerships in 17 years. Power has repeatedly rotated between the same few leaders—Prachanda, Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba—fueling public cynicism. Coalition collapses and opportunistic alliances have left the country in a state of permanent political flux.

 Regional Echoes

 The uprising echoes similar youth-led, leaderless movements in South Asia. Sri Lanka’s 2022 protests and Bangladesh’s 2024 upheaval both began with a symbolic spark but reflected years of frustration. Nepal’s ban on social media has played the same catalytic role.

 The Road Ahead

 With Oli’s resignation, Nepal faces a familiar question: Will a new leader bring stability, or will the cycle of elite power-sharing continue? The youth are demanding real change, but the entrenched political class shows little sign of relinquishing control.

 Conclusion: The Way Forward for Nepal

Nepal today stands at a historic crossroads. The resignation of KP Sharma Oli is not the end of the crisis but only a turning point.

1. Rebuilding Trust: Political leaders must move beyond revolving-door power games and earn the trust of a young, disillusioned population. Transparent governance, accountability, and anti-corruption measures are urgent.
2. Engaging the Youth: With Gen Z forming the backbone of the protests, any future government must prioritize employment creation, digital rights, and inclusive decision-making. Ignoring their voice risks deeper unrest.
3. Protecting Communication Freedoms: The social media ban highlighted the dangers of abrupt, heavy-handed decisions. Safeguarding freedom of expression and digital connectivity is crucial in a remittance-driven economy.
4. Economic Diversification: Nepal’s overdependence on remittances leaves families vulnerable. Policies that boost domestic industry, tourism, and infrastructure can provide stability.
5. Stable Governance: Lasting peace will require political parties to end tactical alliance-shuffling and focus on delivering consistent governance. Otherwise, instability will persist no matter who sits in the prime minister’s chair.

👉 Ultimately, Nepal’s way forward lies in bridging the generational divide: a political class willing to reform, and a young generation determined to reshape the nation’s future. If that balance is not struck, today’s crisis may only be the beginning of a longer, more turbulent journey.