Nepal’s Gen Z Protesters and Army in Talks Over Interim Leadership

Backdrop:

• Nepal has been rocked by its worst unrest in two decades, triggered by a government-imposed social media ban on Sept 8.
• The ban, lifted after 19 deaths, ignited a youth-led uprising dubbed the “Gen Z protests,” fueled by anger over corruption, nepotism, and economic stagnation.

Casualties & Chaos:

• 30 dead, over 1,000 injured, and mass jailbreaks reported nationwide.
• Protesters torched government buildings, including Parliament, Supreme Court, and PM Oli’s residence.
• The Hilton Kathmandu and other commercial sites were also set ablaze.

Political Fallout:

• Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, citing the need for a political solution. His whereabouts remain unknown.
• The Nepal Army has taken control of Kathmandu, enforcing curfews and restoring order.

Leadership Talks:

• Protesters are pushing for Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, as interim Prime Minister.
  • Known for her anti-corruption stance and judicial independence.
  • Karki has expressed willingness to lead a transitional government, aiming to restore peace and hold elections within 6–12 months.
• The army is in active dialogue with protest leaders, but divisions remain within the movement over leadership choices.

Global Reaction:

• The UN Secretary-General has urged restraint to prevent further escalation.
• Analysts call this a major inflection point in Nepal’s democratic journey.

(source Reuters)

—Agencies