Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli resign after Gen Z anti-corruption protests

Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, 2025, after violent anti-corruption protests and a social media ban turned deadly.

Young protestors, mostly Gen Z, took to the streets of Kathmandu and other cities on September 8, 2025. They were enraged about a government ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X.

The term “Nepo Kid” has become a powerful symbol in the country. The trend began as an online movement, soon spreading onto the streets, exposing the widespread corruption and poor governance of the government.

These protests turned violent, resulting in the death of at least 19 people and over 400 were injured, including more than 100 police officers.

The government lifted the social media ban after an emergency Cabinet meeting. Oli said, “The government was not in favour of stopping the use of social media and will ensure an environment for its use.”

The protests grew even after the ban was lifted. Demonstrators defied a curfew and set fire to the homes of political leaders like Sher Bahadur Deuba, President Ram Chandra Poudel, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Communist Party leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Following the protests, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday. In a letter to President Ram Chandra Poudel, he wrote:

“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.”

Oil’s resignation ends his fourth term as prime minister, which began in July 2024. He was known for nationalist policies and faced criticism for authoritarianism.

Despite Oli’s resignation, protestors are still demanding systematic reforms and accountability for the deaths. They vow to continue until their demands are met.

Who is Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli?

Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, also known as K.P. Oli, is a prominent Nepali politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Nepal multiple times. He is also the chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal.