Crisis Brief : Nepal 2025
Nepal erupted in nationwide protests after the government banned 26 major social media platforms. Youth-led demonstrations turned violent, prompting PM Oli’s resignation. The unrest highlights deep frustrations over corruption, inequality, and unemployment, threatening political stability, economic recovery, and Nepal’s regional reputation.
BRIEF AND EXPLAINERS
9/12/20252 min read
Location: Major cities across Nepal, including Kathmandu
Started: Early September 2025, following the government’s ban on 26 major social media platforms
Main Actors:
Protesters: Youth, students, and civil society groups
Nepal Government: Until recently led by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli
Security Forces
President Ramchandra Paudel and Army Leadership: Mediating interim solutions
What is Happening: Widespread demonstrations have led to clashes with security forces, incidents of property damage, and targeted attacks on certain residences. Several people have been killed, and many others injured, while curfews have been imposed in some areas. Prime Minister Oli has resigned, and discussions are ongoing regarding the formation of an interim government.
Why It Started: The immediate trigger for the protests was the government’s ban on 26 major social media platforms, which restricted access to widely used communication and information channels. The unrest also reflects deeper, long-standing frustrations among the population. Many citizens, particularly younger generations, have expressed dissatisfaction over issues such as corruption, perceived elite privilege, high unemployment, and social and economic inequality. These underlying grievances, combined with the sudden restriction on social media, fueled widespread protests across the country.
What’s at Stake: Nepal faces both domestic and international challenges amid the unrest.
Domestic Stakes:
Political stability and the formation of a legitimate interim government
Strengthening the credibility of democratic institutions
Maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of the Nepalese people
Economic recovery and revival of key sectors, including tourism
International Stakes:
Restoring investor confidence and encouraging foreign investment
Maintaining Nepal’s reputation as a stable and secure country
Preserving diplomatic relationships and regional stability in South Asia
Why It Matters Now: Nepal is at a pivotal moment in its history. Amid leadership uncertainty and unrest on the streets, the country faces a critical juncture. The Nepalese people are raising a clear call for change, demanding better governance, fairness, and opportunities for a more prosperous future. It is now up to the nation’s leaders to respond to this urgent plea and take decisive action to guide Nepal toward reform, stability, and long-term growth. In an interconnected world, the stability of one nation contributes to the stability of others.
References
CBS News. (2025, September 9). Nepal protests over repealed social media ban rage, sparking prime minister's sudden resignation. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nepal-protests-social-media-ban-prime-minister-oli-resigns/
Economic Times. (2025, September 9). Nepal bans 26 social media platforms: Full list from Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp to YouTube. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/nepal-bans-26-social-media-platforms-full-list-from-facebook-instagram-whatsapp-to-youtube/articleshow/123766916.cms
Reuters. (2025, September 9). How 'Gen Z' protests over corruption and jobs ousted Nepal PM Oli.https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/how-gen-z-protests-over-corruption-jobs-ousted-nepal-pm-oli-2025-09-09/