Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday after youth-led protests against corruption and a social media ban spiralled into the country’s worst unrest in decades.
At least 19 people were killed and more than 100 injured in clashes in the capital Kathmandu, where protesters stormed parliament, set government buildings alight and attacked the homes of senior politicians. Witnesses said several ministers and their families were evacuated by military helicopters.
Police used live fire, rubber bullets and tear gas, leaving hospitals overwhelmed with the injured. Kathmandu airport was shut down after smoke from fires raised safety concerns for aircraft.
The protests began last week after Oli’s government abruptly blocked access to platforms including Facebook, YouTube and X, citing security concerns. The ban fuelled anger among young Nepalis, particularly Gen Z activists, who have long accused leaders of corruption, nepotism and failing to create jobs.
The government lifted the ban on Monday, but by then demonstrations had already escalated into a broader anti-government movement.
“In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution,” Oli, 73, said in his resignation letter to President Ram Chandra Paudel.
Soon after, jubilant crowds broke into parliament and the presidential compound, chanting slogans and declaring victory. “We won,” one protester wrote in orange paint on the parliament wall, while others flashed victory signs as smoke rose over the complex.
President Paudel also resigned later in the day after protesters forced their way into his residence, aides told local media. Nepal has been left without a functioning head of state or government.
Oli, who was serving his fourth term since 2008, had earlier appealed for calm, calling violence “not in the interest of the nation.” He blamed “infiltration from selfish centres” but did not address allegations of corruption that have driven the protests.
Analysts said the collapse of Nepal’s leadership echoed the turmoil in Bangladesh earlier this year, raising fears of a domino effect of unrest across South Asia.
Labour unions, students and rights groups have joined the movement, calling for an interim government and political reforms. International observers warn of growing instability if political dialogue does not begin soon, and for now, Nepal remains under curfew, with security forces patrolling the streets and protests continuing without clear leadership.