Amid escalating unrest in Nepal, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki has taken office as the country’s interim prime minister. Her appointment comes in the wake of violent crackdowns against anti-corruption protests, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and several top officials. Known for her integrity and resolute stance against corruption, Karki is the first woman to assume the role of Nepal’s leader. Her ascension marks a significant turn in the nation’s political landscape [source].
The discontent surged after the government’s imposition of controls on unregistered social media platforms, igniting protests labeled as “Gen Z” demonstrations in Kathmandu. Initially sparked by these social media restrictions, the protests quickly became a platform for expressing deeper frustrations with corruption, governance challenges, and limited opportunities. Reports indicate that security forces, while attempting crowd control, sometimes resorted to live ammunition, resulting in at least 50 fatalities and over 1000 injuries.
Discord, a platform often associated with gaming, played an unexpected role in Karki’s rise. Over 100,000 Nepalis reportedly used it to engage in discussions about the country’s future, which included dialogue with military leaders. Following the turmoil and key governmental resignations, the army, which had imposed a nationwide curfew, facilitated her appointment through peace talks. This intervention marks a unique example of digital platforms influencing political outcomes.
Significant unrest manifested physically with the Singha Durbar palace, housing Nepal’s parliament, being set ablaze. The residence of the Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, was also targeted by enraged protesters. Despite the violent overtones, many demonstrators blamed “opportunists” for hijacking the protests for more destructive ends.
Nepal’s constitutional promise of “freedom to assemble peaceably” under Article 17 was put to the test, highlighting tensions between maintaining order and respecting civil liberties. International guidelines, such as those from the UN, restrict the use of firearms to situations where less dangerous means are ineffective, demanding minimal force. In the current context, such stipulations have sparked debate on proportionality and necessity.
The unrest has further destabilized the nation, with over 13,500 prisoners escaping during the chaos. Though authorities have recovered nearly 100 firearms, the security situation remains precarious, emphasizing the urgent need for effective governance. The protests underscore widespread dissatisfaction and the challenges the interim government faces in restoring peace and confidence among the populace [Al Jazeera].