Nepal’s prime minister resigns as fiery protests continue

Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli stepped down on Tuesday as violent protests continued for a second day. Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of the country’s capital in Kathmandu on Monday to protest a law banning social media. Nepalese officials blocked over two dozen social media platforms last week, including giants like Facebook, X, and YouTube, after platforms failed to register with the government and submit to oversight.

The overnight censorship led to massive protests from the nation’s youth, condemning what they characterized as government censorship and corruption. At least 19 demonstrators died after police opened fire on crowds, prompting more aggression from protesters, now dubbed the protest of Gen Z. Crowds proceeded to storm government buildings and attack Nepalese Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife. Tuesday footage also showed protesters burning the homes and offices of top politicians.

The United Nations’ human rights office released a Monday statement condemning the fatal measures used by Nepalese police against protesters. The UN called on Nepalese officials to respect the rights of demonstrators to peacefully assemble to protest government corruption and censorship. The UN urged Nepalese officials to reconsider social media regulations and ensure their laws comply with human rights obligations. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs dissuaded citizens from traveling to its southern neighbor and advised citizens already in Nepal to shelter in place until the nation stabilizes.

What’s happening now? The government on Tuesday reversed its social media ban amid the violence. Regional media reported Tuesday afternoon that Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel is also facing pressure to resign after he appealed to demonstrators to open a dialogue with officials. Protesters continued to swarm the streets Tuesday afternoon, and local reports emerged that demonstrators freed Rastriya Swatantra Party chairman Rabi Lamichhane from prison on Tuesday.