Ghana – Nepal in Chaos: 22 Dead, Parliament Burned Amid Prime Minister’s Resignation

A wave of protests in Nepal has plunged the nation into chaos, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 individuals. These violent demonstrations, primarily led by young people, have escalated into rioting with significant landmarks such as the parliament building being set on fire, pushing Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli to step down. The unrest has been fueled by widespread frustration regarding government misconduct, cronyism, and severe restrictions imposed on social media platforms.

In a decisive move, the 73-year-old Prime Minister submitted his resignation to President Ramchandra Paudel on Tuesday. He cited “the adverse situation in the country” in his resignation, expressing hope that his exit might “facilitate the solution to the problem and help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution,” according to CBC News.

Intense Protests Erupt Across Nepal

Several social media sites -- including Facebook, YouTube and X -- have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms © PRABIN RANABHAT / AFP — Several social media sites — including Facebook, YouTube, and X — have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday, following the government’s block on 26 unregistered platforms © PRABIN RANABHAT / AFP

Initially, the protests took a peaceful form on Monday, but tension boiled over when security forces opted to use live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons against demonstrators in multiple cities. Initially, Al Jazeera reported 19 casualties, with 17 in the capital, Kathmandu, and two fatalities in Itahari. Dr. Mohan Regmi of the Civil Service Hospital in Kathmandu has confirmed that the death toll has risen to at least 22, with over 100 individuals injured. However, some reports suggest that the number of injured could be as high as 400, affecting not only civilians but also police officers.

The violence reached its zenith on Tuesday when protesters defied a government-imposed curfew and stormed key state institutions. Among the targets, the parliament building in Kathmandu was set on fire, and the residences of the Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials were attacked. This led to swift political consequences, with Oli’s resignation following these incidents.

Gen Z Leads Charge Against Government Missteps

Photo by PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images

Young people in Nepal are at the forefront of these protests, expressing discontent with what they perceive as entrenched corruption and nepotism prevalent in government structures. The spark for these demonstrations was ignited by the government’s decision to block major social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. This decision followed a controversial ban on TikTok in 2023, accused of “disrupting social harmony and distributing indecent content.”

While TikTok later resumed operations after agreeing to comply with local guidelines, the reinstatement of restrictions on other social media platforms incited further anger among the population. On Monday, the government was forced to lift the recent social media ban after violent clashes, but this gesture did little to abate public outrage.

Rising International Concerns

Smoke billows from the Federal Parliament of Nepal complex, where fires were ignited on September 9, 2025, during protests against the killings of 19 people a day earlier. [Adnan Abidi/Reuters]

The surge in violence in Nepal has triggered global attention and concern. The United Nations has offered to assist Nepal in restoring peace and has confirmed that at least 15 fatalities have occurred as a result of “large-scale youth protests” across the nation. Amnesty International has condemned the security forces’ use of live ammunition, highlighting potential human rights abuses that need addressing.

Deepening Political Turmoil

Oli’s resignation, a leader in power since 2021, marks the latest chapter in Nepal’s chronicle of political upheavals. His exit ushers the country into a period of fresh instability as the protesters continue to call for widespread reforms and accountability from the government’s upper echelons.

President Paudel has appealed to the people for “cooperation” and composure during these times. Yet, whether this appeal will succeed in quelling the ongoing unrest remains uncertain. With a population nearing 30 million, Nepal confronts one of its most profound political and social crises, driven by a youthful generation that is unwilling to tolerate inadequate governance any longer.