By Atoyebi Nike
Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, stepped down on Tuesday following a violent crackdown on protesters that left at least 19 people dead, marking one of the country’s deadliest clashes in years.
In a letter to the president, Oli, 73, said his resignation was aimed at paving the way for “a political solution and resolution of the problems.” The protests erupted on Monday over a controversial ban on social media and mounting corruption concerns, continuing even after access to the apps was restored.
Amnesty International reported that live ammunition was used against demonstrators. The unrest highlights growing frustration with political instability, slow economic progress, and widespread unemployment in the Himalayan nation of 30 million.
Oli, serving his fourth term after forging a coalition with the Nepali Congress last year, had faced increasing criticism from younger Nepalis, who make up nearly half of the population. Viral TikTok videos contrasting the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children with the struggles of ordinary citizens further fueled anger.
Nepal, which became a republic in 2008 after a decade-long civil war, has since been plagued by unstable governments and frequent leadership changes, deepening public mistrust in its leaders.
