Nepal is facing one of its gravest political and social crises in two decades, as Gen Z-led protests swept through the country, culminating in the ouster of the Prime Minister, violent clashes, and the burning of the parliament building. The chaos has forced the Nepalese Army to intervene in a bid to restore stability. In the midst of this turmoil, Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, has emerged as a potential consensus figure to lead the political transition.

Background of the protests

The roots of the current crisis lie in years of frustration among Nepal’s youth, especially Generation Z, who make up a large share of the country’s population. High unemployment, corruption scandals, poor governance, and deep dissatisfaction with the existing political leadership have fueled growing resentment.

What began as peaceful student demonstrations quickly escalated into nationwide protests, drawing hundreds of thousands into the streets of Kathmandu and other major cities. Protesters accused the ruling government of incompetence, corruption, and betraying the ideals of democracy that Nepal fought to establish after the monarchy’s fall in 2008.

Collapse of government authority

The tipping point came when demonstrations outside the parliament turned violent. In scenes that shocked the nation, protesters stormed the parliament building, setting parts of it ablaze. Security forces struggled to control the crowds, leading to some of the worst political violence Nepal has seen since the Maoist insurgency ended in 2006.

Amid the chaos, the Prime Minister tendered his resignation, unable to withstand the scale of the uprising. This resignation has left Nepal in a dangerous power vacuum, with no immediate clarity on who will lead the country forward.

Army steps in

As violence escalated, the Nepalese Army deployed troops in Kathmandu and other hotspots to restore order. Military vehicles rolled into the capital, enforcing curfews and securing government buildings. While the army’s intervention has brought some temporary calm, it has also raised fears of a potential military-backed government — a scenario that many in Nepal hoped the post-monarchy democratic transition had left behind.

The army has so far emphasized that its goal is only to restore peace and stability, not to seize power. However, history shows that once the army steps into politics, its role often extends beyond short-term stabilization.

Sushila Karki as a consensus leader

Amid the uncertainty, attention has turned to Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Known for her reputation as a fearless, independent-minded reformer, Karki is being tipped as a possible leader of a caretaker or transitional government.

Karki made history in 2016 by becoming the first female Chief Justice of Nepal. During her tenure, she was respected for standing up against political interference in the judiciary and for her integrity in a deeply polarized environment. Her non-partisan image and commitment to rule of law make her an attractive figure to both protesters demanding accountability and establishment figures seeking stability.

If she takes on the role, Karki could provide a bridge between the old political order and the aspirations of Nepal’s restless youth, helping to oversee fresh elections or constitutional reforms.

The role of Gen Z in shaping Nepal’s future

What makes this crisis unique is the central role of Generation Z. Unlike previous protest movements led by political parties or unions, this uprising has been grassroots, digitally organized, and youth-driven.

Young Nepalis, many of them first-time voters or university students, feel disconnected from the older political class that has dominated since the end of monarchy. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter have been powerful tools for organizing rallies, spreading slogans, and exposing government excesses.

Their movement is not just about the resignation of one leader — it reflects a deeper demand for systemic change. Calls for greater transparency, jobs for the youth, and an end to corruption dominate the protests.

Regional and international implications

Nepal’s crisis has drawn attention from its neighbors, especially India and China, both of whom have strategic interests in the Himalayan nation. A prolonged instability in Nepal could open space for increased foreign influence, complicating the regional balance.

India, which has deep cultural, political, and economic ties with Nepal, is monitoring the situation closely. Any move towards a military-backed government or prolonged instability could strain bilateral relations. China, too, has invested heavily in infrastructure and seeks stability to protect its Belt and Road projects in Nepal.

Western governments have expressed concern over the violence, calling for restraint and respect for democratic processes. The United Nations has also urged all sides to engage in dialogue to restore peace and ensure a civilian-led transition.

The road ahead

Nepal stands at a critical crossroads. The choices made in the coming weeks will determine whether the country slides back into instability or emerges stronger with a new social contract.

If Sushila Karki is appointed to lead a transitional authority, she may be able to calm tensions and pave the way for free and fair elections. However, the success of such a move depends on whether the army, political parties, and the protesters can all agree to her leadership.

For now, Nepal’s youth remain on the streets, unwilling to accept cosmetic reforms. Their demand is for a fundamental shift in governance, one that finally addresses the corruption, lack of opportunity, and political stagnation that have plagued Nepal for decades.

Conclusion

Nepal’s Gen Z uprising has reshaped the country’s political landscape almost overnight. With the Prime Minister ousted, the parliament burned, and the army on the streets, the crisis represents the most serious challenge to Nepal’s democracy in two decades.

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