• Mass protests in Nepal, driven by Gen Z, erupted in response to a social media ban.
• At least 22 deaths occurred during clashes with police, provoking national outrage.
• The Prime Minister resigned amidst escalating violence and demands for political reform.
• Younger protesters are now being called to help shape an interim government.
• The US has issued a travel warning, citing civil unrest and safety concerns.

Recent protests in Nepal, primarily led by Generation Z, have erupted following the government's controversial decision to ban 26 social media platforms. This unrest has resulted in at least 22 deaths and hundreds of injuries during violent clashes between protesters and police. The political fallout was swift, with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and his Cabinet ministers resigning amid mounting public outrage and international criticism over the government’s handling of the situation, according to Channel News Asia and The Jakarta Post.

The protests were driven not only by the ban on social media, which is seen as an attack on freedom of expression, but also by long-standing frustrations regarding government corruption and economic opportunities. Young demonstrators, many in their twenties, utilized social media to organize and amplify their voices, drawing comparisons between the lavish lifestyles of political elites and their own struggles with low wages and unemployment, as detailed by South China Morning Post and Newsweek.

The protests have historical significance, being the first large-scale uprising in Nepal entirely orchestrated by this generation, which represents about 40% of the country's nearly 30 million people. Observers note that this generation is uniting in the face of deep political dissatisfaction and has arisen remarkably during a digital age marked by social media-driven activism. The protests echo similar movements in neighboring countries, reflecting a broader trend of youth-led political engagement throughout Asia, according to Channel News Asia, The Jakarta Post, and South China Morning Post.

As tensions continue within Nepal, the Army has taken to the streets to maintain order, and curfews have been imposed in major cities like Kathmandu. In the face of this unrest, the U.S. State Department has escalated its travel advisory for Nepal, urging potential travelers to reconsider plans due to civil disorder and safety risks linked to ongoing protests, as reported by Newsweek.

The future governance structure remains uncertain following these protests. Current discussions among activist groups suggest a potential interim leadership under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, a leadership choice reflecting the desire of many young protesters, while challenges remain due to the entrenched positions of older political elites within Nepal's institutions, according to Channel News Asia, The Jakarta Post, and South China Morning Post.