Protests in Nepal are evolving into a full uprising. The airport is closed, and the government has fallen with the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and at least five other ministers. Meanwhile, social media has been restored.
Sparked by the Nepal government blocking of most social media, protests spread through Nepal’s main cities. Yesterday, 19 people died and over 100 were injured in the demonstrations. Today, curfews in the Kathmandu area didn’t stop the protests from continuing, with protesters setting fire to some government buildings and politicians’ residences.
With social media working again, members of the climbing community in Nepal have also hurried to share their protests online.
Instagram post by Lakpa Dendi Sherpa.
Control, corruption, and “nepo kids”
The so-called Gen Z revolution began with the sudden closure of most social media in Nepal last weekend, but the roots of discontent go much deeper. The demonstrators rose up against government corruption and, in particular, the shocking wealth gap between an impoverished population and their political elites.
In recent weeks, activists have spread a campaign against “nepo kids” on social media, spotlighting the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children and allegations of corruption, the BBC reports. Coincidentally, authorities then shut social media down last Friday, alleging that the social media companies had refused to register and submit to more governmental control of content.
A post shared by thousands in Nepal through social media.
After 19 people died in the protests yesterday, anger only increased. Parents and relatives of the younger protesters are starting their own demonstrations. On the second day of protests, demonstrators increased in number. They set fires in front of the Nepali Congress building and the residences of some members of the government, The Kathmandu Post reported. The government imposed curfews in several areas, but demonstrators continued their protest anyway.
The video below, by an unknown author and shared widely on social media, shows soldiers at the gate of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. International media confirm the airport is closed until further notice.
Government down, airport closed
The government lifted the ban on social media this evening, to “address the demands of Gen Z,” a minister told the media. According to the latest news, Prime Minister Sharma Oli has stepped down, and several members of the government may be fleeing the country.
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is closed, and flights are not allowed to enter the country. Travelers on their way to Nepal or planning to arrive in the upcoming days are strongly advised to contact their travel operators and embassies for further updates.
All quiet in the mountains
For those already in the country, the situation in Kathmandu is complex, but the mountain areas remain quiet. We have contacted operators and climbers who report no problems in the Khumbu and Manaslu areas. Tourist vehicles have different plates and are allowed to move freely across the country. The return of social media platforms, including WhatsApp, will be a massive help to foreigners in need of current information.
