Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel has appealed for calm and dialogue following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who stepped down after mass protests erupted over alleged corruption, a controversial social media ban, and deadly clashes.
Civil unrest intensified when at least 19 protesters were killed and more than 100 injured during protests that swept across the capital Kathmandu after the government temporarily blocked major social media platforms.
Major government buildings, including the Parliament, the prime minister’s residence, and political party offices, were set ablaze during the unrest.
President Paudel said that Oli’s resignation has been accepted and that consultations are underway with political parties to form a new government “in accordance with the Constitution.” He urged all sides to work toward a peaceful resolution without further loss of life.
