Nepal Prime Minister Resigns Amid Deadly Anti-Corruption Protests
- Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned amid escalating anti-corruption protests that left 19 dead and saw parliament set ablaze
- Demonstrators defied curfews and stormed political offices, demanding accountability and an end to government censorship
- The unrest reflects deepening public frustration over corruption, economic stagnation, and political instability in the Himalayan republic
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Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli has resigned from office following a wave of deadly protests over alleged government corruption, which left at least 19 people dead.
His resignation came shortly after three of his ministers quit in protest, deepening the political crisis in the Himalayan nation.
Source: Getty Images
In a letter addressed to the president, Oli stated: “I have resigned from the post of prime minister with effect from today… in order to take further steps towards a political solution and resolution of the problems.”
Deadly protests over corruption rock Nepal
The protests, which erupted on Monday, were initially sparked by public outrage over a government-imposed ban on social media and longstanding grievances about corruption.
Although access to social media platforms was later restored, demonstrations reignited with renewed intensity.
According to Amnesty International, security forces used live ammunition against demonstrators, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people.
The organisation condemned the use of lethal force, calling for accountability and restraint.
Parliament set ablaze as curfew defied
Despite a government-imposed curfew, protesters stormed key political institutions.
An official confirmed that demonstrators broke into Nepal’s parliament and set the building on fire. Earlier, crowds had attacked the headquarters of the country’s largest political party, the Nepali Congress, and vandalised the homes of several prominent politicians.
The unrest has depicted growing dissatisfaction with Nepal’s political leadership, which many citizens view as corrupt and disconnected from the realities of everyday life.
Economic struggles fuel discontent
Oli, 73, began his fourth term last year after his Communist Party formed a coalition with the centre-left Nepali Congress. However, the alliance struggled to maintain stability in Nepal’s often-fractious parliament.
Since becoming a federal republic in 2008, following a decade-long civil war and the abolition of the monarchy, Nepal has seen a succession of ageing prime ministers and frequent political horse-trading.
This has contributed to widespread public frustration over the lack of progress in governance and development.
The country of 30 million faces persistent economic challenges. Government statistics show that nearly 43 percent of the population is aged between 15 and 40, while unemployment remains around 10 percent.
According to the World Bank, Nepal’s GDP per capita stands at just $1,447.
Viral TikTok videos highlight inequality
In recent days, social media has played a pivotal role in fuelling public anger.
Since Friday, TikTok videos contrasting the hardships faced by ordinary Nepalis with the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children have gone viral.
The platform, notably, was not blocked during the unrest.
Source: Getty Images
Nepal lifts social media ban
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nepal’s government has reversed its controversial ban on 26 major social media and messaging platforms following nationwide protests that left at least 19 people dead and more than 200 injured.
The decision came just hours after demonstrators stormed the parliament complex in Kathmandu, demanding the restoration of digital access and broader reforms.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
