Just this September, Nepal experienced a drastic change to government structures. This is due to the many protests led by “Gen Z” - as dubbed by the protesters. These protests began on September 8th in immediate response to a social media ban instated on September 5th. While the ban was quickly rescinded, the protests continued due to public outrage over government corruption and nepotism. In under four days, these protesters quickly formed a new age revolution that resulted in death, arson, and a new prime minister.
Nepal has been experiencing widespread government corruption. Those in political power often handed jobs and economic status to those in their favor, while Nepalese citizens experienced an unemployment rate of 20.8%. According to the New Humanitarian. Nepal also “ranked 107th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2024,” and this information disregards more nuanced and hidden variables of political corruption.
While the protest began peacefully, the scene violently escalated when the government sent armed security forces to deal with the protesters. Even after the lift of the ban, the protesters had become mob-like, and a revolution was on its way. Important government and ministry buildings were engulfed in flames as the wake of protesters continued to their next act of arson. There were at least 19 fatalities, mostly young revolters, and many more wounded as a result of the deadly force used by Nepalese law enforcement.
Finally, on September 9th, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli fled his position of power and was replaced by Sushila Karki (73), the first woman to lead Nepal and Nepal’s (former) first female Chief Justice. During Nepal’s state of political uncertainty, Kari has acknowledged the corruption within Nepal’s political state and the need to move forward as a country. However, the next months will play a crucial role in Nepal’s ability for growth. Parliament has been dissolved, which makes the passing of legislation impossible. Citizens, while satisfied with the change of prime minister, are still antsy from the revolution, while the government is trying to build itself up after being torn down for its internalized corruption.
Madeline Speights