Sushila Karki Makes History, Appointed As Nepal’s First Female PM After Anti-Corruption Protests
- Nepal’s former chief justice Sushila Karki has been appointed to lead the transition as the country’s next prime minister
- Karki, aged 73, is Nepal’s first woman chief justice, who will be sworn into office on Friday, September 12
- The Himalayan nation of 30 million people was plunged into chaos this week after security forces tried to crush rallies by young anti-corruption protesters; the protest claimed 51 lives
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements
Sushila Karki, a former chief justice, will become the first woman to lead Nepal, to be sworn in as interim leader later on Friday, September 12, after violent anti-graft protests forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign, the president's office said.
Source: UGC
51 dead in Nepal anti-graft protests
President Ramchandra Paudel's office announced Karki's appointment following negotiations between Paudel, army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel and the protesters who led Nepal's worst upheaval in years.
As reported by Reuters, fifty-one people were killed and more than 1,300 were injured this week in the anti-graft protests by the 'Gen Z' movement, named for the age of its mainly young supporters.
The protest was sparked by a social media ban that has since been rolled back. The violence subsided only after Oli resigned on Tuesday, September 9.
Source: UGC
Protesters demand Sushila Karki as Nepal PM
Karki, 73, would take the oath of office at 9:15 p.m. local time (1530 GMT), said Archana Khadka Adhikari, information officer at the president's office. Two other ministers would also be sworn in along with her, local TV channels reported.
The only woman to have served as chief justice, Karki was the preferred choice of the protesters who cite her reputation for honesty and integrity and a stance against corruption.
Nepal prime minister resigns
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli 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.
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.
VDM shares why Nepal youths are better after protest
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Verydarkman has reacted to the protests that took place in Nepal after Gen Z took to the streets to fight corruption.
The country was shut down as a result of the protest, which led to the destruction of lives and property.
He noted that he does not support violence, but emphasized that such a movement could not be achieved in Nigeria due to certain factors.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
