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Nepal’s acting leader, Sushila Karki, is examining a police station that has been set ablaze. — AFP
– Nepal’s Prime Minister was chosen through a Discord app.
– Over 12,000 inmates have escaped from jail.
– Regional authorities extend their congratulations to Sushila Karki.
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Nepal’s newly appointed interim Prime Minister has committed to addressing protesters’ calls to “end corruption” as she starts her term following a youth-led uprising that ousted her predecessor. Sushila Karki, 73 and a former Chief Justice, has the responsibility of restoring stability and tackling the protesters’ demands for clean governance, all ahead of national elections scheduled in six months.
The protests erupted on Monday after a social media ban, intensifying rapidly — resulting in the burning of parliament and major government buildings, driven by deep-rooted economic issues in Nepal.
“We must work with the mindset of the Generation Z youth,” Karki stated publicly for the first time since assuming office on Friday.
According to the World Bank, about 20% of Nepali youth aged 15 to 24 are unemployed, and the country’s GDP per capita is only $1,447.
“What this generation is demanding includes ending corruption, transparent governance, and economic equality,” she added. “It’s up to us all to be determined to make that a reality.”
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Karki observed a moment of silence on Sunday for those who lost their lives amid the unrest before convening meetings at Singha Durbar, a key government complex where several buildings were torched during recent mass protests.
At least 72 people have died in just two days of violence, according to government chief secretary Eaknarayan Aryal, raising the death toll from an earlier 51.
This marks Nepal’s most severe unrest since the conclusion of a decade-long civil war and the abolition of its monarchy in 2008.
Karki’s appointment, recognized for her independence, came after intensive negotiations between army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel, President Ram Chandra Paudel, and youth leaders collectively known as “Gen Z,” who initiated the protests via Discord.
Thousands of young activists identified Karki as their preferred leader through social media.
“I didn’t wish to step into this role; my name was called from the streets,” Karki remarked.
Parliament has been dissolved, with elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
“We won’t remain here more than six months, no matter the circumstances; we will carry out our duties and transfer power to the next elected parliament and ministers,” she assured the nation.
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Despite efforts to establish stability, the situation remains tense. A new sign for the Prime Minister’s Office has been installed within the complex, which was not targeted during the violence.
Late Saturday, President Paudel, who swore in Karki, described finding a “peaceful solution after a challenging process.”
He characterized the current circumstances as “very complex and serious,” urging the public to help ensure the success of the upcoming elections.
Military presence on the streets has been reduced from its peak during the protests, but the security challenge persists, especially with over 12,500 inmates still at large following jail breaks.
International reactions have been supportive: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed backing for “peace, progress, and prosperity” in Nepal, while China’s foreign ministry emphasized its intent to “steadily advance China-Nepal relations.”
Buddhism, the second-largest religion in Nepal, was also acknowledged; the Dalai Lama offered his wishes for Karki’s success in meeting the hopes and aspirations of the Nepalese people during these turbulent times.
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