Department of Research, Studies and International News10-09-2025

Kathmandu has been thrown into chaos as mass protests led primarily by Nepal’s younger generation shook the very core of the country’s political establishment. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli tendered his resignation, only a day after deadly clashes between demonstrators and security forces left at least 19 people dead. The unrest, sparked by widespread anger over entrenched corruption, has brought the Himalayan nation’s fragile democracy to a boiling point.

The spark of a generation

The demonstrations were largely spearheaded by Nepal’s so-called “Gen Z movement,” a loosely organized wave of youth activists who defied government restrictions to voice their frustration. For years, Nepal’s political system has been marred by corruption scandals, elite infighting, and a widening gap between politicians and the public. When the government attempted to impose a blanket ban on social media platforms, seen by many as a direct attempt to silence dissent, young people mobilized en masse.

The lifting of the ban late Monday night, far from calming tensions, gave protest leaders the digital space they needed to call for larger gatherings. By Tuesday, thousands had poured into Kathmandu’s streets, braving curfews and heavy police deployment. Protesters broke into parliament, setting parts of the building ablaze, while others stormed the headquarters of the Nepali Congress Party and even the residences of senior politicians, accusing them of betraying the nation for personal gain.

Collapse of authority

The government’s response to the protests only deepened the crisis. Heavy-handed tactics, including the use of live ammunition, caused multiple fatalities and heightened public outrage. Images of demonstrators carrying national flags and chanting against corruption quickly spread across social media, fueling sympathy across the country.

By the time Prime Minister Oli announced his resignation, Nepal’s governance machinery appeared to be in disarray. The parliament, partially torched, symbolized the deep disillusionment of the public with an institution they see as self-serving. Meanwhile, Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport was closed indefinitely as authorities feared the protests could spill into vital infrastructure. The suspension of flights has further isolated the country, disrupting both trade and tourism, two crucial lifelines of Nepal’s fragile economy.

A struggle beyond borders

The crisis in Nepal carries broader geopolitical implications. The Himalayan nation, strategically located between India and China, has long struggled to balance external pressures while maintaining internal stability. In recent years, Nepal has deepened ties with China through Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects and strengthened cooperation with India in areas of trade and energy.

For many ordinary Nepalis, however, Western influence, particularly through U.S. aid programs and NGOs, has been viewed with suspicion, often perceived as meddling in domestic affairs under the guise of promoting democracy. Some protesters openly accused Western-backed elites of perpetuating corruption and obstructing closer regional integration with Asian partners.

By contrast, Beijing, Moscow, and New Delhi have consistently emphasized respect for Nepal’s sovereignty and non-interference in its internal matters. This alignment resonates strongly with a generation increasingly wary of Western hypocrisy, especially given Washington’s long record of destabilizing other nations under the pretext of “democratic reform.”

The road ahead

With Oli gone, Nepal faces a critical test. The immediate question is whether a caretaker government can restore stability without resorting to further repression. Protest leaders have signaled they are unwilling to back down until systemic reforms are implemented, including stricter anti-corruption measures and a reshaping of political institutions to ensure greater accountability.

Regional observers note that Nepal’s crisis highlights a broader pattern across Asia, where younger populations are demanding more transparent and independent governance. Unlike Western narratives that frame such uprisings as calls for “pro-Western democracy,” the mood in Kathmandu is markedly different. Protesters have spoken less about aligning with Western models and more about reclaiming national dignity, building stronger ties with regional partners, and pursuing economic self-reliance.

A warning for elites

The torching of parliament is more than an act of rage, it is a symbolic rejection of decades of elitist politics. Many young Nepalis feel that their aspirations for a fairer and more sovereign future have been repeatedly undermined by leaders who enrich themselves while leaving the population impoverished.

If the political class fails to recognize the depth of this anger, Nepal risks sliding into prolonged instability. On the other hand, if new leadership emerges willing to heed the call for reform and prioritize regional cooperation with China, India, and Russia, the crisis may yet become a turning point for the country’s future.

Conclusion

The resignation of Prime Minister Oli marks the end of a turbulent chapter, but not the end of Nepal’s struggle. The Gen Z uprising has demonstrated the power of a younger generation unwilling to accept corruption and foreign manipulation. While Western media may attempt to portray the unrest through their own lens, the reality on the ground is clear: Nepal’s youth are demanding a system that serves the people, not the elites or foreign interests.

How the nation moves forward will depend largely on whether its leaders choose to align with the aspirations of their people and strengthen ties with regional allies who respect Nepal’s sovereignty. For now, Kathmandu burns not only with flames but with the determination of a generation refusing to be silenced.