Nepal is facing its worst unrest in decades. The streets of Kathmandu are full of young demonstrators as the Nepal Gen Z protests grow into a movement demanding deep political change. A sudden social media ban sparked the uprising, but the real cause lies in years of frustration over corruption, nepotism, and poor governance.
Why Did the Protests Start?
The protests began on September 8, 2025, when the government banned 26 popular social media platforms—including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Officials claimed the ban would curb fake accounts and online hate speech.
The ban lit the fire, but deeper anger had been building among Nepal’s youth for years.
Deeper Grievances
Long before the ban, Gen Z Nepalis had grown disillusioned with their leaders:
- Corruption and Nepotism: Politicians and their children, often called “nepo kids,” flaunted luxury cars, foreign trips, and expensive lifestyles online. Meanwhile, ordinary families struggled. Viral posts under hashtags like #NepoKids fueled resentment.
- Economic Despair: Youth unemployment stands near 20%, and job opportunities remain scarce. Many young people feel excluded and voiceless in a system that offers little hope.
- Lack of Accountability: Nepal’s political system has seen constant instability since 2008, with more than a dozen prime ministers rotating in and out of power. Few delivered reforms, and corruption cases often went unpunished. Institutions tasked with ensuring transparency failed to act. Young Nepalis grew frustrated as leaders avoided responsibility for their failures. The Nepal Gen Z protests show a rejection of this stagnant system.
This mix of corruption, inequality, and lack of opportunity pushed the protests into a full-blown uprising against the ruling class.
Escalation and Government Collapse
As the movement spread, demonstrators stormed government buildings, including parts of Singha Durbar and parliament. Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets, and live rounds. By September 10, clashes had killed at least 19 people and injured hundreds.
The growing unrest forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign on September 9. The army moved into Kathmandu, imposed curfews, and urged protesters to return home.
What Lies Ahead
President Ramchandra Paudel accepted Oli’s resignation, but no new leader has been named. The country now faces a political vacuum. The movement remains largely leaderless, but one fact is clear: Nepal’s youth want real reforms, not cosmetic changes.
The world is watching. Will Nepal’s leaders finally end corruption and create opportunities for the next generation—or will history repeat itself?
