In early September 2025, Nepal was engulfed by a wave of youth-led protests that culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. The catalyst for this seismic shift was a government-imposed ban on 26 major social media platforms, a move that ignited widespread public fury and exposed deep-seated frustrations with corruption, economic inequality, and a perceived authoritarian overreach.
The government's directive, implemented on September 4, 2025, cited concerns over hate speech, misinformation, and non-compliance with registration requirements. However, this action was widely interpreted by the populace, particularly the digitally-native Generation Z, as an attempt to stifle dissent and control the narrative. The ban, which affected platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube, severed crucial communication lines for many Nepalis, including the significant diaspora and their families, exacerbating public discontent.
The protests rapidly escalated from peaceful demonstrations to widespread riots, with clashes between protesters and security forces resulting in at least 19 confirmed deaths and hundreds of injuries. Cities across Nepal, including Kathmandu, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Butwal, Pokhara, Itahari, and Damak, experienced curfews as the situation grew increasingly volatile. Demonstrators targeted government buildings, with the federal parliament in Kathmandu being set ablaze, symbolizing the depth of public anger.
In response to the escalating violence and mounting pressure, the government reversed the social media ban on September 8, 2025. However, this concession did little to quell the unrest, as the protests had evolved into a broader movement demanding political reform and accountability for the violence. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, acknowledging responsibility for the government's handling of the crisis.
The underlying causes of the upheaval are intrinsically linked to Nepal's socio-economic landscape. Youth unemployment has been a persistent challenge, with rates exceeding 22% in 2022-23, and over 20% of the population living in poverty. This economic precarity, coupled with widespread allegations of corruption and nepotism within political circles, created fertile ground for dissent. The perceived opulence of some political families, often showcased on social media, starkly contrasted with the struggles of ordinary young people seeking employment, further fueling the "Gen Z protests."
Emerging figures like Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, who had previously used online platforms to voice criticism of corruption, became symbols of this new wave of youth activism. The protests also saw calls for significant political restructuring, including demands for elections within 18 months and the establishment of an independent body to monitor corruption. International observers, including India and human rights organizations, urged for peace and a thorough investigation into the use of excessive force by security personnel.
The events of September 2025 underscore the potent influence of youth activism in shaping political outcomes and the critical role of digital platforms in modern social movements. Nepal's experience serves as a stark reminder of how restrictions on freedom of expression, when combined with unresolved issues of governance and economic justice, can ignite powerful calls for change.