After weeks of mounting pressure and escalating protests, Nepal's Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. His resignation came as the "Gen Z" protests, initially sparked by a government social media ban, intensified into a nationwide revolt against corruption and nepotism. The unrest turned violent, with demonstrators defying curfews, clashing with police, and even setting fire to the prime minister's private residence and other government buildings. The protests, which have resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, also led to the resignations of several of Oli's cabinet members, who cited moral responsibility for the government's response. Oli's resignation letter to President Ramchandra Paudel cited the need for a "constitutional political solution" to the crisis, marking a major political shake-up in the Himalayan nation. KP Sharma Oli had to resign due to the movement undertaken by the youth generation under the leadership of Sudan Gurung.
Sudan Gurung is a 36-year-old civic activist and the president of “Hami Nepal”, a youth-focused non-governmental organization. He has become a prominent figure in Nepal's ongoing "Gen Z" uprising protests. These protests began in response to a government ban on social media but quickly grew to address long-standing issues of corruption and nepotism. Gurung’s leadership led to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation.
Background of the ‘Hami Nepal’ Movement
Sudan Gurung's path to activism is deeply personal. He was once an event organizer who turned to community relief work after losing his child in the tragic 2015 earthquake. This loss prompted him to establish Hami Nepal, which initially concentrated on disaster response. Over time, the organization expanded into a broader platform for civic advocacy, with Gurung leading campaigns that call for transparency and responsibility in public institutions. His experience in organizing peaceful and impactful movements, like the "Ghopa Camp" protest in Dharan, has earned him respect among Nepal's youth.
'Nepo Kid' Campaign and Gen Z Revolt
The recent protests began with the Nepal government's decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. The government claimed these platforms failed to register and comply with local rules. Many viewed this action as an effort to restrict freedom of expression and silence opposition.
Social Media Sparks Gen Z Uprising
The social media ban acted as a spark for a movement that was already growing online. A viral campaign called "Nepo Kid" gained momentum, shining a light on the extravagant lifestyles of the children of Nepal's political elite. This online movement accused these "Nepo Kids" of unfairly benefiting from their parents' alleged corruption and nepotism. The campaign struck a chord with Gen Z protesters, who saw the glaring wealth gap as a sign of the government's broader failures.
Sudan Gurung and Hami Nepal used social media to organize the protests, relying on platforms like Instagram to coordinate routes and share safety information. To highlight peaceful resistance, Gurung encouraged demonstrators to wear school uniforms and carry books. This imagery aimed to present the protesters as students and peaceful citizens seeking change, rather than violent rioters.
The initial protest against the social media ban quickly absorbed the anger sparked by the "Nepo Kid" campaign, evolving into a widespread uprising against systemic corruption. The demonstrations spread from Kathmandu to other major cities, with protesters shouting slogans against corrupt leaders and calling for accountability. Some protests turned violent, resulting in clashes with police, injuries, and the resignation of several government ministers. Although the government eventually lifted the social media ban, the movement continues to seek broader structural changes and an end to corruption.