Mass anti-corruption demonstrations escalate into deadly riots, forcing top leaders to step down
Nepal’s political leadership collapsed on 9 September 2025 after violent anti-corruption protests in Kathmandu forced both President Ram Chandra Poudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign, alongside several cabinet ministers.
Protests Turn Deadly
Demonstrations led primarily by youth movements erupted in Kathmandu over the past two days, intensifying after the government attempted to block social media to stifle mobilization. The move backfired, fueling larger crowds. At least 19 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the unrest.
Government Residences Attacked
Protesters set fire to multiple official and private properties, including the homes of Prime Minister Oli, President Poudel, and former prime ministers Kamal Dahal and Sher Bahadur Deuba. The residence of Energy Minister Deepak Khadka was also torched. Crowds stormed and burned sections of Nepal’s parliament building, symbolizing public fury at entrenched corruption.
Airport Closure and Escalation
As violence spread across the capital, authorities shut down Kathmandu International Airport. Prime Minister Oli was evacuated by military helicopter before officially announcing his resignation. His aide, Prakash Silwal, confirmed the decision, citing the untenable political and security situation.
Cabinet Ministers Step Down
Several key ministers also resigned, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari, and Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav. The mass resignations highlight the scale of political fallout from the unrest.
President Poudel’s Televised Address
Hours later, President Ram Chandra Poudel announced his own resignation in a televised address. “For the sake of national unity, I have chosen to step down. The country must not be plunged into conflict that will further divide it,” he said, emphasizing national unity over personal power.
Roots of the Crisis
The protests stemmed from frustration with deep-seated corruption and economic stagnation. Public anger intensified after reports of lavish lifestyles among officials despite worsening poverty. The attempt to silence dissent through social media restrictions only amplified calls for leadership change.
Nepal now faces a power vacuum at the highest levels of government, with both its president and prime minister gone amid violent unrest. The resignations mark one of the most dramatic political crises in the country’s recent history, leaving questions over who will restore stability as citizens demand sweeping reforms.
Sources: Tirto.id (2025) , BeritaSatu.com (2025)
Keywords: Nepal Protests, Nepal President Resigns, KP Sharma Oli Resigns, Kathmandu Riots, Nepal Political Crisis, Anti-Corruption Demonstrations
