In brief
Nepal is witnessing its worst civil unrest in decades following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amidst anti-corruption protests. Demonstrators, angry over the deaths of protesters in violent clashes, set fire to the parliament in Kathmandu and were reported attacking various government properties. Although a ban on social media platforms—one of the initial triggers for the protests—was lifted, public outcry against government corruption and leadership continues to swell. With no clear successor to Oli, uncertainty looms over the nation's future.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned amid Nepal's worst unrest in decades, as public anger mounts over the deaths of 19 anti-corruption protesters in clashes with police on Monday.On Tuesday, crowds set fire to parliament in the capital Kathmandu, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Government buildings and the houses of political leaders were attacked around the country. Three more deaths were reported on Tuesday. Amid the chaos, jail officials said 900 inmates managed to escape from two prisons in Nepal's western districts.The demonstrations were triggered by a ban on social media platforms. It was lifted on Monday - but by then protests had swelled into a mass movement.Nepal's army chief issued a statement late on Tuesday accusing demonstrators of taking advantage of the current crisis by damaging, looting and setting fire to public and private property. It said if unrest continued, 'all security institutions, including the Nepal Army, are committed to taking control of the situation.'While the prime minister has stepped down, it's not clear who will replace him - or what happens next, with seemingly no one in charge. Some leaders, including ministers, have reportedly taken refuge with the security forces. Inside parliament, jubilant scenes persisted as hundreds of protesters danced, chanting slogans around a fire. Many carried Nepal's flag, as others smashed windows and painted graffiti on the building's exterior.The protests, which initially began in reaction to a government crackdown on social media over the past week, morphed into a widespread anti-corruption movement. The demonstrators, largely made up of the youth, have expressed their frustration over government corruption, drawing attention to the lavish lifestyles of political elites amidst widespread poverty.With no clear leadership among the protesters, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, as tensions continue to escalate in Nepal.
