Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Resigns Amid Deadly Protests
Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday following one of the country’s deadliest crackdowns on protesters in recent years, which left at least 19 people dead.
In a letter to the president, Oli, 73, said, “I have resigned from the post of prime minister with effect from today… in order to take further steps towards a political solution and resolution of the problems.”
The protests, which began on Monday, demanded that the government lift a social media ban and tackle corruption. Despite apps being restored, demonstrations escalated, and Amnesty International reported that live ammunition was used against protesters.
Oli began his fourth term last year after forming a coalition government with the centre-left Nepali Congress. However, political instability, corruption, and slow economic development have fueled public dissatisfaction in Nepal, a Himalayan nation of 30 million people.
Nearly 43% of the population is aged 15–40, with unemployment around 10% and a GDP per capita of $1,447, according to the World Bank. Since becoming a federal republic in 2008, Nepal has seen a revolving door of prime ministers and political infighting, leaving many citizens feeling disconnected from their leaders.
Recent viral TikTok videos highlighting the luxury lifestyles of politicians’ children compared to the struggles of ordinary Nepalis have further intensified public outrage.
