Protests Ignite the Flames of Revolution
Nepal Gen Z Protests and Government Overthrow
In September 2025, Nepal witnessed one of the most significant youth-led uprisings in its recent history, famously termed the Gen Z protests. Triggered primarily by widespread public frustration with systemic political corruption, nepotism, and government censorship of social media, these protests rapidly escalated from peaceful demonstrations into violent clashes, resulting in a political crisis that changed the country’s leadership and shook its governance to the core.
Background of the Protests
The roots of the unrest lie in the deep-seated grievances of Nepal’s young population, most notably Generation Z, who constitute a major portion of the country’s demographic. Social media played a key role in fueling dissent, as numerous posts and campaigns circulated widely, exposing cases of corruption and the opulent lifestyles of the ruling elite and their families. The movement gained momentum after the Nepalese government abruptly ordered the shutdown of 26 social media platforms on September 4, 2025. Platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, Reddit, and others were blocked under the pretext that they had failed to register under new government regulations. This censorship further inflamed the youth who saw it as an attempt to stifle free speech and transparency.
This act was particularly impactful because remittances from abroad constitute roughly 33% of Nepal’s GDP, and a large segment of Nepal’s youth, affected by 20% unemployment, rely on online and digital means for income generation and connectivity. The average annual income remains low at about US$1,400, while the ruling families flaunted their wealth openly, intensifying resentment. With one social media account for nearly every two people in Nepal, the social media ban was perceived as a direct attack on youth voices.
The Escalation of Protests
On September 8, 2025, peaceful mass gatherings erupted in Kathmandu, the capital, centered around symbolic areas like Maitighar Mandala and the federal parliament building in New Baneshwor. Initiated under the banner of a non-governmental organization called Hami Nepal, initially focusing on earthquake relief efforts, the protests quickly lost their peaceful nature due to a harsh government crackdown. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition after protesters attempted to storm the parliamentary premises.
The government’s heavy-handed approach backfired profoundly. The next day, September 9, witnessed an unprecedented surge of violence. Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned and fled to military barracks, followed by the resignation of several ministers and Members of Parliament. Protesters nationwide seized this moment of weakness, storming and setting ablaze crucial government institutions such as Singha Durbar (the administrative headquarters), the Supreme Court, and various party offices. Politicians’ residences, including those of the Prime Minister and President, were attacked, vandalized, and burned.
The unrest saw the burning of media outlets like Kantipur, important government buildings including the Ministry of Health designed by renowned architect Louis Kahn, and luxury hotels. The chaos extended beyond the capital to multiple provinces with government offices, prison facilities, and police stations targeted. This unrest led to thousands of injuries and at least 30 fatalities, including protesters and police officers. Prisons were broken into, with over 13,500 inmates escaping nationwide, some involved in further looting and violence.
Government and Military Response
The government’s initial refusal to relinquish control hardened public anger. However, with escalating violence and national instability, the Nepali Army stepped in on the night of September 9, assuming responsibility for maintaining law and order. Troops were deployed across Kathmandu Valley, implementing curfews and conducting joint operations with police to regain control of key infrastructures.
The military’s intervention was pivotal in restoring partial calm, as they detained hundreds involved in acts of arson and looting and retrieved numerous firearms looted by protesters. They reopened critical infrastructure such as Tribhuvan International Airport after temporary closure and contained further escalation by urging protesters toward peaceful negotiations.
Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel played a critical role by appealing for calm and facilitating dialogue among various protest factions, including youth groups who began negotiations to select an interim leader to guide the country out of the crisis. This move indicated a shift from purely military enforcement to a more political solution.
Broader Implications and Underlying Issues
The protests were more than just a reaction to social media restrictions; they symbolized deep disillusionment with the entrenched corruption, nepotism, and inept governance that many Nepalis blamed for economic stagnation and lack of opportunities. Many young people, especially those from Generation Z, saw their future compromised by a political system that seemed to serve only the interests of a few elite families, the aftermath of decades of political instability in the country.
This crisis exposed systemic vulnerabilities—unequal wealth distribution, weak institutions, political patronage systems, and a lack of avenues for youth participation in governance. Furthermore, the use of excessive force by security forces highlighted human rights concerns, attracting international condemnation and calls for accountability.
Domestic and International Reactions
Domestically, political leaders and major parties were split on their responses. While some resigned in solidarity or protest, others called for dissolution of parliament and fresh elections. Former monarchist factions saw an opportunity to revive calls for a monarchy restoration, portraying the post-civil war governments as illegitimate.
Human rights groups within Nepal, including the National Human Rights Commission, urged restraint and condemned the excessive use of force. Numerous academic institutions mourned casualties among students, emphasizing the government’s failure to protect its citizens’ rights.
Internationally, neighboring India issued travel advisories and monitored the situation closely, given trade and cultural ties with Nepal. The sudden closure and disruption of flights affected regional connectivity. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence and called for human rights compliance and peaceful dialogue. Amnesty International and other rights groups demanded investigations into security personnel’s conduct and protection of the fundamental rights of Nepalese citizens.
The Road Ahead: Political Transition and Reform
Amid the chaos, there are efforts to restore order through political dialogue and transition. Talks are underway around forming an interim government that can steer Nepal through this critical juncture, potentially including investigations into corruption and illegal wealth accumulation, reforms in key institutions, and possibly a dissolution of the current parliament.
The interim leadership discussions have included names like Sushila Karki, Balen Shah, and Kul Man Ghising, reflecting a desire for change by figures perceived as less entrenched in the traditional political elite. However, the political landscape remains volatile, and stabilizing the country will require addressing the root causes that ignited these protests namely economic disenfranchisement, political corruption, and lack of freedoms.
Conclusion
The 2025 Nepalese Gen Z protests signify a defining moment for Nepal’s democracy and social fabric. Originating as a youth-driven movement against censorship and corruption, the protests exposed a profound crisis of governance and citizen trust. The violent aftermath, political resignations, and military intervention underscore the urgency for systemic reforms and inclusive governance that accounts for the aspirations of Nepal’s youth.
Nepal stands at a crossroads where meaningful change is possible but demands careful navigation of political factionalism, social unrest, and economic challenges. The resilience and activism of Generation Z may yet herald a new chapter in Nepal’s journey toward transparency, accountability, and equity for all its citizens.
This ongoing crisis highlights how the digital age and youth social movements can dramatically reshape political landscapes, especially in countries where traditional institutions face growing legitimacy crises.
