Nepal in Crisis: Who Will Replace Oli as Army Promises to Protect Lives?

September 10, 2025

Nepal is facing one of its toughest moments in recent years. On September 9, 2025, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli stepped down after violent protests shook the country. His resignation followed two days of clashes that left at least 19 people dead and dozens injured. Streets of Kathmandu and other cities turned chaotic as thousands of young people came out against corruption, nepotism, and a sudden ban on popular social media platforms.

The situation is tense but also uncertain. The big question now is: Who will lead Nepal after Oli? At the same time, the Nepal Army has stepped in to restore calm. The Army says its first priority is to protect lives and property and help the country return to peace.

Protests Sparked by Social Media Ban

The protests began when the government suddenly banned Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, X (Twitter), and other platforms. Authorities claimed social media was being misused and harming society. But young people saw the move as an attack on free speech.

The anger spread quickly. Demonstrators took to the streets in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, and other cities. Most of the protestors were young men and women in their teens and twenties. They carried placards, shouted slogans, and demanded that the ban be lifted.

Soon, the protests turned violent. Government offices, political party headquarters, and even homes of leaders were set on fire. Shops were looted, vehicles overturned, and clashes with police became intense. Tear gas and rubber bullets were fired. Security forces even used live ammunition. The death toll climbed to at least 19, with many more wounded.

Oli Forced to Resign

Prime Minister Oli had been under pressure for months. His government faced criticism for corruption, failure to create jobs, and lack of transparency. The social media ban was the last straw.

On September 9, Oli announced his resignation. In a short statement, he said he was stepping down “for peace and stability.” However, many believe he had no choice as the protests grew uncontrollable.

For now, Oli remains in a caretaker role, but his political career looks weakened. The country is now debating who should replace him.

Army Moves In

With the streets burning, the Nepal Army deployed troops across the capital and other cities. Armed soldiers began patrolling main roads, protecting key government buildings, and enforcing curfews.

Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel addressed the nation. He said the army is “committed to protecting lives, national unity, and the sovereignty of Nepal.” He urged young people to calm down and avoid further violence.

The army has also evacuated government officials from unsafe areas. Helicopters flew over Kathmandu as soldiers tried to bring back order.

Importantly, the army stressed it does not want to govern. General Sigdel said the army respects the constitution and only wants to safeguard the people until political leaders decide the next step.

Names Swirl: Who Will Replace Oli?

The resignation of Oli has created a political vacuum. Several names are now being discussed as possible replacements.

1. Sher Bahadur Deuba – Former Prime Minister and leader of the Nepali Congress. He has experience and international contacts. But many young people see him as part of the old political system they are protesting against.
2. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda – The Maoist leader and former Prime Minister. He remains influential but controversial. Critics say his leadership style is divisive.
3. Youth Activists – Protest leaders and youth groups are demanding fresh faces in power. One of the prominent youth figures is Sudan Gurung, head of the NGO Hami Nepal. Gurung organized young Nepalis through social media and Discord groups. His call for change has gained huge support.
4. Caretaker Government – Some experts suggest forming a caretaker government made up of neutral figures until new elections are held. This could calm tensions, but the challenge is finding leaders acceptable to both the public and political parties.

At this moment, no clear decision has been made. Political bargaining is taking place behind closed doors.

Why Are Young People So Angry?

The protests are not just about the social media ban. They reflect deeper frustrations in Nepali society.

• Unemployment: Many young people struggle to find jobs. Thousands leave the country each year to work in Gulf countries, Malaysia, or India.
• Corruption: Political leaders are often accused of corruption and nepotism. Young Nepalis feel cheated by those in power.
• Lack of Voice: The social media ban felt like silencing the only space where young people could speak freely.
• Hopelessness: For many, the future looks uncertain. Rising costs, weak economy, and poor governance have made life difficult.

The anger is therefore not just political but personal. Many protestors say they feel ignored and betrayed by leaders who promised change but delivered little.

Army’s Delicate Role

The involvement of the army is both reassuring and worrying. On one hand, soldiers have brought some order after days of chaos. On the other, Nepalis still remember the army’s controversial role during the civil war years.

General Sigdel has tried to assure citizens that the army will not overstep. He has asked protestors to stop destroying property and return home peacefully. He also called on politicians to find a quick solution.

Still, some activists worry that prolonged army presence may limit freedoms. International groups are also watching closely.

The Road Ahead

Nepal now stands at a crossroads. The resignation of Oli has opened possibilities but also risks.

• If traditional leaders return, protests may not stop. Many young people have lost trust in the old political class.
• If youth leaders rise, it may bring new hope, but they lack political experience and organizational strength.
• If a caretaker government is formed, it could give temporary relief, but real change would still depend on fresh elections.

For now, stability is the top priority. The death toll and destruction have shocked the nation. Families mourn their loved ones, businesses count their losses, and schools remain closed.

Voices From the Street

Protestors interviewed by local media express both anger and hope. One young man said, “We are tired of corruption. Leaders care about themselves, not us. We want new faces.”

A young woman in Kathmandu added, “Social media is our only way to connect and speak out. Taking it away was an attack on us.”

At the same time, some older citizens fear that the protests could spiral further. A shopkeeper in Pokhara said, “I support the youth, but burning shops and homes is not the solution. We need peace.”

Conclusion

Nepal is going through a historic and dangerous time. Prime Minister Oli’s resignation shows the power of public anger, especially from the young generation. But removing a leader is only the first step.

The big question remains unanswered: Who will lead Nepal now? Will it be an experienced politician, a caretaker figure, or someone from the new generation of activists?

Meanwhile, the Nepal Army has promised to protect lives and keep the country united. Their presence may bring temporary stability, but lasting peace will depend on political solutions.

The coming weeks will decide Nepal’s future. For now, Nepalis watch, wait, and hope that the sacrifices of the last few days will not go in vain.