Youth Mobilization Sparks Change Amid Nepal's Anti-Corruption Protests

Wed Oct 22 2025 11:56:51 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Thousands of young people in Nepal have taken to the streets to challenge widespread corruption and demand transparency from their government. The resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli marks a significant moment in the ongoing protests, driven largely by dissatisfied Gen Z activists.

In a historic turn of events, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has resigned amidst fierce anti-corruption protests primarily led by the youth of Nepal. The demonstrations erupted in response to a controversial social media ban, which critics claimed was an attempt to stifle dissent. The protests, characterized by clashes with police and widespread calls for accountability, reflect a deeper dissatisfaction with the government's corruption and governance. The youthful movement, dubbed 'Gen Z', has become a powerful force for change in the nation, demanding an end to corrupt practices and the protection of their freedom of expression.

Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned in the wake of public outrage over the killing of 21 people in police clashes with anti-corruption protesters.

His office said he had stepped down to pave the way for a constitutional solution to the massive youth-led protests over widespread allegations of corruption and sparked by a social media ban, which has since been withdrawn.

The protests turned violent as thousands – many identifying themselves as Gen Z on placards and banners – took to the streets of Kathmandu on Monday.

Almost 200 people are believed to have been injured in clashes with police, who used tear gas, water cannons and live bullets as protesters scaled the walls of the parliament and other official buildings.

The protests continued on Tuesday, with demonstrators setting fire to the headquarters of the Nepali Congress Party and the home of former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. The homes of several other politicians have also been vandalised.

Social media has become a crucial part of Nepali life. The demonstrations were triggered by the government's decision last week to ban 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, for failing to meet a deadline to register.

Critics accused the government of seeking to stifle an anti-corruption campaign with the ban, which was repealed on Monday night. While the ban was a catalyst for the current unrest, the protesters are also channeling a more deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the authorities.

The ensuing demonstrations turned violent in Kathmandu and some other cities in Nepal. Police had to impose a curfew around key government buildings and tighten security.

The number of protesters has been growing. Many carry banners demanding change, with their two main demands being the lifting of the social media ban and an end to corrupt practices by officials.

The protests, roused on social media and led by young people without central leadership, feature a growing political consciousness among Nepal's youth. They express frustration over the perceived disconnect between the political elite and ordinary citizens, highlighting inequalities in wealth and opportunity.

As protests continue and show no signs of backing down, analysts warn the situation could escalate further if the government fails to engage meaningfully with demonstrators.