---

In September 2025, Nepal experienced a major political mobilization led by Gen Z, marking one of the most significant youth-driven movements in the country’s recent history. Similar to earlier youth-led uprisings in South Asia, such as the July 2024 student protests in Bangladesh and civic movements in Sri Lanka, young Nepalese used digital platforms to organize and amplify their demands for accountability, transparency, and systemic reform. This movement reflects a broader regional trend in which digitally connected youth challenge traditional political structures, combining online activism with street-level demonstrations to influence national governance.

The roots of this mobilization lie in Nepal’s complex political evolution. Nepal transitioned from a 240-year-old monarchy under the Shah dynasty to a federal democratic republic when the monarchy was abolished on 28 May 2008. The interim constitution of January 2007 had already stripped the king of powers and set transitional governance structures, but persistent instability and weak institutions hindered effective reforms. A permanent constitution was promulgated on 20 September 2015, establishing a secular federal republic with seven provinces, a bicameral legislature, and a president as head of state. Despite these reforms, political instability persisted, with frequent changes in government, ongoing corruption, nepotism, and elite-driven policymaking. Regional influences from China and India further complicated Nepal’s political landscape. Within this context, the government’s decision in September 2025 to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, was widely perceived as an attempt to suppress dissent and restrict information, sparking widespread frustration among young, digitally connected citizens. This combination of long-standing grievances and immediate triggers set the stage for a mass, decentralized youth-led movement across Nepal.

On 08 September 2025, thousands of young Nepalese occupied the streets of the capital Kathmandu, later spreading to other cities. The movement was decentralized and leaderless just like the July Uprising’ 24 in Bangladesh, coordinated mainly through online platforms and private chat groups such as Discord. The young Nepalese protesters carried symbolic placards demanding “Youth Against Corruption”; “Dictators fear Wi-Fi” and “Save the Future” orchestrating a generational outrage on the old political settlement and demand immediate and long term reform. By September 09, the demonstration escalated dramatically as crowds stormed the Federal Parliament building. But security force responded heartlessly with tear gas, rubber bullet, and even live ammunition. Then the clashes between the mass and loyal force of the repressive sate turned deadly, with more than 70 deaths and over 2,000 injuries reported nationwide. The hospitals struggled to treat victims, many of them teenagers and students. 

Amid escalating chaos, the situation spiraled out of control. Over 13,000 prisoners escaped during the unrest, and government offices were vandalized, further undermining the state authority. Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned after facing immense pressure that marking the collapse of his government. After the collapse of Oli’s regime, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim Prime Minister in mid-September with restoring stability and organizing election. The social media ban was lifted, and partially meeting protester’s demands, though skepticism remained about the sincerity of reforms.

However, the protests inspired a new wave of civic engagement just like the young blood of Bangladesh in the same geopolitical region. Thousands of young Nepalese registered to vote ahead of the March 2026 elections, signaling a shift from street protests to institutional participation and notably political voices. For many, this is the first genuine chance for young people to change Nepal's stagnant political culture. Unfortunately, frustration has tempered optimism.  Reforms are still progressing slowly a month after the revolt, and young people are underrepresented in the interim cabinet. Although the old political order has been shaken, critics argue that it still opposes substantive reform. The legitimacy of the interim government has also been questioned by major parties that were excluded, raising concerns that political instability may resurface.

The Gen Z protests in Nepal are a reflection of a broader worldwide trend in which young people with access to digital devices are using spontaneous mobilization to challenge establishment.  The movement showed how digital authoritarianism can quickly turn into a national political crisis and how traditional institutions frequently struggle to adjust to such fluid activism. Nevertheless, the international community has largely welcomed the interim government’s efforts to stabilize Nepal, but questions remain about accountability for deaths, judicial independence, and security sector reform.

As the country prepares for elections in 2026, the key question is whether Nepal can channel this youth-driven energy into sustainable democratic reform or if disillusionment will once again prevail.The uprising has already reshaped the nation’s political narrative. For Nepal’s young generation, it was more than a protest. It was a declaration that their voices can no longer be ignored.

Shamsul Arif Fahim is a Research Assistant at Centre for Governance Studies (CGS)

Disclaimer: Views in this article are author’s own and do not necessarily reflect CGS policy