Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday after days of escalating protests that defied a government-imposed curfew and left at least 19 people dead.
The unrest began after Oli’s government announced a ban on social media platforms, a move officials said was intended to curb misinformation but critics denounced as an attack on free speech. Demonstrations quickly spread across the country, with protesters demanding the ban be lifted and calling for greater accountability from political leaders.
Security forces attempted to enforce an indefinite curfew, but tens of thousands of people remained in the streets. Clashes between police and demonstrators left dozens injured in addition to the fatalities.
In a brief televised statement, Oli said he was stepping down “in the greater interest of national stability,” but did not address the protests directly. Opposition parties welcomed the resignation while urging restraint from both security forces and demonstrators.
Nepal has faced ongoing political turbulence since the abolition of its monarchy in 2008, with frequent changes in leadership and persistent public frustration over corruption and economic stagnation. Oli, who had served multiple terms as prime minister, was increasingly criticized for consolidating power and limiting dissent.
It remains unclear who will succeed him, as party leaders begin negotiations over forming a new government. For now, the focus remains on calming tensions and preventing further violence.