• Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigns following deadly protests that left 19 people dead.
• The protests were sparked by allegations of government corruption and a ban on social media.
• Oli's resignation marks a significant political shift in Nepal, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction.

Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, a day after one of the most lethal crackdowns on protesters in years, resulting in at least 19 fatalities. "I have resigned from the post of prime minister with effect from today... in order to take further steps towards a political solution and resolution of the problems,” he stated in a letter to the president, according to Dawn and Le Monde.

The protests, which initially erupted over demands that the government lift a ban on social media and address corruption, intensified despite the restoration of social media services. Amnesty International reported that live ammunition was used against demonstrators, contributing to the unrest and ensuing public outrage directed at Oli's government for its perceived authoritarian measures and failure to handle rising dissatisfaction, according to Reuters.

Oli, 73, had embarked on his fourth term as prime minister in July 2024, having promised economic stability and a crackdown on corruption. However, his administration faced increasing turmoil, with public anger culminating in protests termed by many as a response to chronic political instability and economic stagnation in the nation of 30 million, according to Dawn and Reuters.

After his resignation, reports indicated that some demonstrators attacked Oli's private residence, setting fire to the property amid celebrations over his ousting. The government's decision to restrict access to various social media platforms further exacerbated the situation, particularly among young activists who criticized the administration for stifling dissent, according to Reuters.