Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned on Tuesday following violent nationwide protests triggered by a controversial social media ban and mounting anger over government corruption.
The unrest escalated after security forces opened fire on demonstrators Monday, leaving at least 19 people dead. Protesters torched the homes of several top political figures in and around Kathmandu, including those of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, President Ram Chandra Poudel, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
A private school owned by Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba Rana, Deuba’s wife, was also set ablaze. The attacks came just hours before the government lifted the social media ban early Tuesday, bowing to public outrage.
Authorities imposed a strict curfew in Kathmandu and other cities, while schools in the capital were shut down to prevent further violence and destruction.
The protests began as opposition to the government’s decision to restrict access to social media platforms but quickly turned into a broader fight against corruption and rivalry against with the political class. Many Nepalis accuse ruling parties of enriching themselves while failing to deliver basic governance.
Oli, announcing his resignation, said he was stepping down immediately but offered no further comments.
