For every empire or government that exists an eventual downfall follows suit. On September 8th 2025, a series of violent protests broke out against the Nepali government. While these protests were initially peaceful, they escalated to violence. For years, Nepal’s government has been unstable with nepotism and misuse of wealth by government officials. This growing divide between the wealthy and poor became evident this summer as monsoons and floods rampaged the country. A vast majority of citizens were impacted by these monstrous floods destroying homes, farmlands and infrastructure that they relied on. The government’s failure to mobilize, effectively plan, and rescue left citizens feeling abandoned and betrayed.
Nepalese youth–especially Gen-Z–swarmed to social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, expressing their frustrations with the government’s actions. They began to call out the hypocrisy of officials who flaunted their wealth while their country faced dire circumstances. Countless posts were filled with hashtags such as “#Resign Oli” and “ #KP Out” calling for the removal of prime minister K.P Sharma Oli.
Plans of widespread protests did not arise until September 4th, when a social media ban was placed on numerous online platforms. This triggered outrage on social media since citizens believed this was an attempt to silence criticism. Thousands of young students took to the streets peacefully, however, things changed when protesters tried to breach parliament. Police forces attempted to pacify the crowds by throwing tear gas and guns. This led to 19 tragic deaths in one day. Protests continued to escalate with many vandalizing hotels and government buildings, and looting stores. Finally on September 9th, days of persistent protests paid off. K.P Sharma Oli resigned and the government repealed the social media ban.
His resignation was the end of the beginning; without a government structure in place, citizens were in disarray. Amidst the chaos, however, Nepalese youth united in their shared desire for peace. Kathmandu suffered extensive damages to government buildings and streets. Posts on social media urged people to gather and clean up debris and restore the streets to the best of their ability. Discord, an online forum, became the primary outlet for communication. The server “Youth Against Corruption” collaborated with the army to select contenders for the new Prime Minister. Regina Basnet, revealed to The Nation, “Many of us didn’t know what it meant to dissolve parliament or form an interim government. But we were asking questions, getting answers from experts, and trying to figure it out together.” A strong majority of the votes went to former Chief Justice, Sushila Karki. This unprecedented decision made Karki the first female Prime Minister of Nepal.
While a Discord server may not be as effective as an official democratic parliament, it is a start. In an era of global political unrest and corruption, acts of rebellion by the people are decisive to bringing peace. The undying bravery of Nepalese youth sparked news all over the world. Millions were in awe of the bravery that these young men and women poured out for their country.
