"Frustrations have been mounting among young people in Nepal over the country's unemployment and wealth gap. According to the Nepal Living Standard Survey 2022-23, published by the government, the country's unemployment rate was 12.6%. Leading up to the protests, the hashtag #NepoBaby had been trending in the country, largely to criticize the extravagant lifestyles of local politicians' children and call out corruption, NPR previously reported."
"Then, last Thursday, Nepal's government imposed a ban on most social media platforms, including Facebook, X, WhatsApp, and Youtube. Officials said the move was the result of these companies failing to formally register with the government. Some viewed the ban as a threat to free speech, while others were worried how it would disrupt communication with loved ones working abroad, The Kathmandu Post, a local newspaper reported."
Youth-led protests erupted across Nepal driven by high unemployment, wealth inequality and anger over perceived political corruption. The national unemployment rate reached 12.6%, and the trending hashtag #NepoBaby amplified criticism of politicians' affluent lifestyles. A government ban on major social media platforms citing registration failures intensified public outrage and disrupted communication. Demonstrators burned government buildings, attacked politicians, and caused the main international airport to close due to smoke. Security forces clashed with protesters, the army was deployed to restore order, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned, and at least 19 people died with over 200 hospitalized.
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