Nepal in Freefall: President and PM Resign Amid Gen-Z Uprising, Oli Flees Country as Protest Death Toll Rises

KalimNews |  Kathmandu | September 9, 2025 :  Nepal plunged deeper into an unprecedented political and civil crisis on Tuesday as both President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned from office amid widespread and violent protests. The dual resignations have left a leadership vacuum at the highest levels of the government, fueling further unrest and uncertainty across the Himalayan nation.

The unrest, which began as a youth-led protest against corruption and inequality, escalated dramatically after the government imposed a controversial ban on social media platforms, a move that triggered outrage among the country’s digital-native Gen Z population. The ban was hastily reversed in the early hours of Tuesday following massive nationwide demonstrations, but the damage had already been done.

Protesters stormed the President’s official residence in Kathmandu, setting it on fire and looting property. As flames engulfed the palace, President Paudel announced his resignation, marking a rare moment in South Asian politics where both the head of state and head of government vacated their posts within hours of each other.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, facing intense public backlash and fearing for his safety, resigned and fled the country, reportedly aboard a Nepal Army helicopter. Multiple videos circulating on social media showed Oli being extracted from his burning residence in Kathmandu under military escort. His private home was also torched by demonstrators shortly before his dramatic exit. Sources indicate he has flown to Dubai, possibly seeking asylum under the guise of medical treatment. His departure mirrors the flight of other embattled leaders in the region, drawing comparisons to Sheikh Hasina’s exit from Bangladesh last year.

In the chaos that followed, violence engulfed much of Kathmandu and other major cities. At least 22 people have died, and hundreds more have been injured as protesters clashed with police, defied curfews, and torched government buildings, including parts of the Singha Durbar complex—Nepal’s main administrative hub. Gunfire was reported near the Nepal Police Headquarters in Naxal, and army helicopters were seen evacuating officials from the ministerial quarters in Bhaisepati to Tribhuvan International Airport, which was later shut down due to fires and safety concerns.

The Nepali Army, now de facto in control of security operations, has issued multiple appeals for calm. In a formal statement, Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel assured the public that the military remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty, unity, and the lives of the Nepali people, while urging youth leaders to help restore social harmony. Sources suggest the Army Chief had previously advised Oli to step down, warning that military intervention would be conditional on a political transition.

The Nepal Army has issued an appeal to the public stating that it always remained committed to safeguarding the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, freedom, national unity, and the lives and property of the Nepali people—even under the most challenging circumstances.

The Army is closely analyzing the developments surrounding the ongoing "Gen-Z" movement in Nepal.

Expressing deep sorrow over the irreparable loss of lives and property caused during the protests, the Nepal Army extends heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families and prays for the eternal peace of the departed souls. The Army also wishes a speedy recovery to those who have been injured.

Dedicated to the well-being and security of Nepal and the Nepali people, the Nepal Army reiterates its commitment to protect the lives and property of citizens in light of the current volatile situation.

During this difficult period, it is our collective responsibility to preserve the country’s historical, cultural, archaeological, and national heritage. Therefore, the Army earnestly appeals to all to act with restraint, maintain social harmony and national unity, and refrain from any actions that could further complicate the current situation, the appeal stated.

Despite these assurances, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. Numerous political leaders and their families have been assaulted or forced into hiding. The residence of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was set on fire, while Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel was chased and beaten by protesters. Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, were also attacked at their home.

Adding to the crisis, a mob torched the house of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, leading to the death of his wife, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, who was trapped inside and later succumbed to severe burn injuries at Kirtipur Burn Hospital. Her killing has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum and underscored the movement’s increasingly lethal turn.

In one of the most alarming developments yet, all 1,500 inmates at Nakkhu Jail in Lalitpur escaped custody after Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane was released to address protesters gathered outside the facility. As law enforcement retreated, prisoners reportedly walked out en masse, triggering massive security concerns across the valley.

The mass resignation of key cabinet members, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari, Youth and Sports Minister Teju Lal Chaudhary, and Water Minister Pradeep Yadav, has further debilitated the administrative structure. Meanwhile, jubilant protesters celebrated outside the parliament, but pockets of violent arson and looting continued unchecked in several districts.

As the crisis deepens, India has issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to defer all travel to Nepal and for those already in the country to remain indoors and avoid public spaces. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has activated emergency helplines to assist nationals caught in the unrest.

Nepal’s current crisis is the culmination of decades of political instability, with 14 governments in 17 years since the monarchy was abolished in 2008. Oli, now 73, was in his fourth term as Prime Minister, having taken office just last year. But allegations of corruption, nepotism, and authoritarian overreach, particularly with the recent social media ban, alienated much of the public — especially younger generations.

The “Gen-Z Movement”, as it has come to be known, has grown from a digital protest into a nationwide political uprising. Youth leaders have cited deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the ruling elite’s extravagant lifestyles, systemic graft, and lack of opportunities. Many demonstrators say they have nothing left to lose.

With both the President and Prime Minister gone, and no clear political transition plan in place, Nepal stands at the edge of a constitutional and governance crisis. The military’s role in shaping the country’s next chapter now appears pivotal, even as calls for a civilian-led transitional government grow louder.

As of Tuesday evening, smoke still rises from government buildings, the streets of Kathmandu remain militarized, and hope for a swift return to peace is fading.