Nepal’s Youth Uprising Sparks Government Collapse in 36 Hours

The government of Nepal collapsed within a mere 36 hours as a popular uprising swept the country, echoing similar movements across South Asia. On September 8, 2023, thousands of young people took to the streets, fueled by frustration over corruption, nepotism, and economic disparities. This demographic, aged between 16 and 40, constitutes nearly half of Nepal’s population and has become increasingly vocal against the ruling elite, particularly targeting corrupt politicians and their affluent families, colloquially referred to as “nepo babies.”

The protests intensified after former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli‘s attempt to ban social media platforms, which backfired spectacularly. Instead of silencing dissent, young activists turned to Discord, a gaming app, to organize and coordinate their efforts. The diaspora, particularly those working in countries like India, joined the digital discussions, amplifying the movement. As protests erupted, police violence escalated, resulting in at least 50 deaths and over 1,000 injuries, marking a dark day in Nepal’s history of civil unrest.

In the days following the protests, demonstrators attacked symbols of state power, including the Parliament and the Supreme Court. Initial reports underestimated the death toll, indicating a significant undercurrent of anger that had been building for years. Media coverage initially framed the protests as a reaction to social media restrictions but soon recognized the deeper issues at play, including widespread dissatisfaction with political corruption and a generation’s loss of faith in their leaders.

Similar uprisings have been observed in neighboring countries, with Sri Lanka witnessing the ousting of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 and Bangladesh experiencing mass protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. These movements reflect a regional trend where youth are demanding accountability and change from established political elites.

In Nepal, the signs of unrest had been evident earlier in 2023, when protests emerged advocating for the restoration of the monarchy as an alternative to the current government. The political landscape had been dominated by a small group of leaders, including Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known as Prachanda, and Sher Bahadur Deuba, who have cycled through leadership roles for nearly a decade. This political stagnation has led to a crisis of legitimacy and trust among the populace, particularly among the youth.

The recent uprising has given rise to Sushila Karki, who has become Nepal’s first female prime minister after the protests. Karki was seen as a unifying figure capable of leading the country through a challenging democratic transition. One of her first acts was to dissolve Parliament and announce new elections to be held by early 2026. Her leadership is viewed with cautious optimism, as she previously resisted political pressure during her tenure as Chief Justice.

Despite this transition, the challenges facing Karki’s administration are significant. Just two days into her leadership, members of the youth-led protest group Hami Nepal began calling for her resignation over key cabinet appointments made without broader consultation. The discontent among the youth reflects a desire for a government that genuinely represents their aspirations and addresses systemic issues.

The current wave of unrest across South Asia has sparked a renewed sense of political engagement among young people. They are increasingly aware of the limitations of the existing political frameworks and are demanding reforms that align more closely with their needs and values. As Rishi Gupta, a global affairs commentator, noted, these democracies have failed to meet the expectations of their youth, leading to widespread disillusionment.

As Karki embarks on her tenure, the situation remains fluid. The military, which played a crucial role in maintaining order during the transition, has found itself at the center of political discourse. The youth of Nepal, inspired by regional movements, are keenly aware of the need for sustained engagement and change. However, some analysts caution that without a clear plan for governance, the momentum of the uprising may dissipate.

The political landscape in South Asia is shifting, with young leaders emerging from the ranks of protest movements. In Nepal, the challenge will be to ensure that their voices translate into meaningful political change rather than a mere replacement of the old guard. As the country navigates this uncertain path, the resilience and determination of its youth will play a pivotal role in shaping Nepal’s democratic future.

The road ahead is fraught with challenges, particularly as the legacy of longstanding political dysfunction remains. Yet, the current generation appears committed to fostering a more accountable and inclusive system. As they strive for a better future, the lessons learned from the recent upheaval may serve as a catalyst for lasting change.