Nepal’s Political Landscape Shifts After Gen-Z Protests; Former Leaders Under Army Watch, New Ministers Take Charge

Nepal is slowly stabilising after one of the deadliest protest waves in decades, as the appointment of an interim government begins to reshape the political scene. The Gen-Z and Janjati-led demonstrations earlier this month left scores dead, major government buildings torched, and forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation.

Former Leaders in Protective Custody

Due to threats during the violent unrest, the Nepali Army continues to provide security for two former prime ministers: K.P. Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba. Both remain under protection at Shivpuri Army Barracks. Sources say the army relocated Oli on September 10 after protesters stormed his Baluwatar residence. Deuba and his wife, Dr. Arju Rana, were rescued from their Budhanilkantha home after it was set ablaze by demonstrators.

Other senior leaders — including former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, and Baburam Bhattarai — were also briefly moved to safe locations at the height of the violence. While Prachanda and Madhav Nepal were rescued directly from a parliamentary meeting in Singhadurbar, Khanal’s wife was seriously injured when their residence was torched. Bhattarai avoided army protection, taking shelter instead at a relative’s house.

Most former ministers and leaders have now returned to Kathmandu under reduced security, but Oli and Deuba remain in military custody amid concerns about their safety.

Appointment of New Leadership

Following Oli’s resignation, Nepal’s parliament approved former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, the first woman to hold the position. Karki’s mandate is to restore order, oversee relief and compensation for victims, and guide the country toward fresh elections.

Her cabinet includes technocrats and younger political figures, with portfolios reshuffled to distance the administration from parties tainted by corruption allegations. Analysts say the interim government’s immediate challenge will be rebuilding trust with Nepal’s youth, who led the protests against corruption, economic stagnation, and the controversial social media ban.

Current Situation in Kathmandu and Beyond

The Kathmandu Valley, which was engulfed in arson and clashes just days ago, has largely returned to normalcy. Shops, schools, and government offices have reopened, and curfews have been lifted. Security remains heightened around Singhadurbar and major party headquarters, while investigations continue into arson attacks that damaged executive, legislative, and judiciary buildings.

International observers and rights groups are calling for independent inquiries into the use of force during protests, which killed at least 19 people initially, with later reports placing the death toll above 70. Hospitals continue to treat dozens of seriously wounded protestors and civilians.

Looking Ahead

Interim Prime Minister Karki has promised “a new beginning,” urging reconciliation and accountability. “The anger of our youth must be heard, not suppressed,” she told parliament after taking office. Protest leaders, however, remain cautious, warning that unless structural reforms and anti-corruption measures are enacted swiftly, unrest could return.

For now, Nepal’s streets are calmer, but its politics remain at a crossroads — between a fragile stability under new leadership and the unresolved frustrations that fuelled the country’s biggest youth uprising in years.

---