Nepal gets first female PM after deadly unrest

Original story by
FaviconBBC NewsSep 12
Politics, Government, Public Protests
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📰 Article Summary

Nepal's former Supreme Court chief justice Sushila Karki has been appointed as the interim prime minister following deadly protests against government corruption. The unrest erupted over a ban on social media, leading to significant casualties and widespread demonstrations that culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Karki is the first woman to lead Nepal and is tasked with conducting general elections within six months, amid a backdrop of heightened military presence and public discontent with the political elite.

📌 Key Facts

  • Protests Trigger Change: Significant anti-corruption protests erupted in Nepal, resulting in violence that claimed over 50 lives and led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The protests began after the government imposed a ban on multiple social media platforms, which intensified public dissent.
  • Historic Leadership: Sushila Karki, previously the chief justice, became Nepal's first female prime minister as part of a deal made with protest leaders. Her appointment reflects a shift towards addressing public discontent, specifically regarding corruption and nepotism in the political sphere.
  • Immediate Challenges Ahead: Karki's interim government will need to conduct general elections within six months while navigating a politically tense environment marked by calls for reform and accountability from the populace.
  • Social Media and Public Discontent: The government's decision to ban social media was met with widespread backlash, which was fueled by ongoing campaigns criticizing corruption and the lifestyles of political elites. Even though the ban was lifted, the momentum for change had already taken root.
  • Security Concerns: In response to the unrest, Nepal's army has increased its patrols in Kathmandu, signaling the seriousness of the protests and the potential for ongoing instability that could have implications for regional security, particularly concerning neighboring India.

📂 Article Classification

Topic Tags: Nepal Politics

📍 Location

Kathmandu, Nepal
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