Nepal is facing deep political uncertainty after Gen- Z protests and the fall of the Oli government. While the youth-led rebellion shook the country, divisions have now appeared among Gen-Z leaders over forming an interim government. Protests continue in Kathmandu, and with no consensus on leadership, fears are growing that the army may take control.
For three days, violent clashes rocked Nepal. On Thursday, Gen-Z leaders addressed the nation for the first time. Leaders Anil Baniya and Diwakar Dangal admitted that while they had called for peaceful protests, political party workers infiltrated their movement and were responsible for much of the arson and vandalism.
Meanwhile, Gen-Z leader Diwakar Dangal openly said that he does not see himself fit to lead the country. He demanded the dissolution of parliament and fresh elections but insisted that he had no intention of changing Nepal's constitution.
At present, the army has taken charge across the country, but violence continues in several regions even an the fourth day of unrest.
Coup Wave Across South Asia
Nepal's crisis mirrors recent events in other South Asian nations. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and now Nepal have all seen youth-led uprisings that toppled governments. In Bangladesh, young people spearheaded the movement, in Sri Lanka, economic hardship triggered mass protests; and in Nepal, corruption, unemployment, and mismanagement under the Oli government pushed youth to revolt.
Then, the government's decision to ban social media where young people were voicing their frustrations-ignited even greater anger. Social media had become a platform for the youth to expose corruption and lack of opportunities, and when it was blocked, the discontent exploded into a coup.
Nepal's Uncertain Future
Senior journalist Krishna Adhikari told Webdunia that corruption, unemployment, and mismanagement in the Oli government fueled this crisis. He warned that the widespread damage, including attacks on businesses and industries, will make it difficult to attract investment in the near future.
Now, the big question remains: Will Nepal's new government be able to meet the expectations of its restless youth, or will the country join the list of nations still trapped in instability after a coup?
