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CWA # 1803, 11 September 2025
Conflict Weekly
Protests and Instability in Nepal

  IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #298, 11 September  2025, Vol.6, No. 37
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI
 

Mahesh Batta

Nepal: Youth Unrest, Bad Governance and Political Breakdown
Mahesh Batta
 
In the news
On 8 September, thousands of young Nepalese, predominantly students and young professionals belonging to Generation Z, took to the streets of Kathmandu and other major cities. The protests were sparked by the government’s ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X and YouTube. 

Wearing school uniforms and carrying school bags, protesters gathered in symbolic public spaces such as Maitighar Mandala, peacefully demanding that the social media ban be lifted, corrupt politicians be held accountable, and entrenched leaders be removed from power. Security forces responded using tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets and in some cases, open fire. Demonstrations took a violent turn after the police response, resulting in the death of at least 30 protesters. What began as peaceful demonstrations immediately reached new heights, forcing the resignation of the Home Minister, followed soon after by the Prime Minister. Violence spread across the country; houses of leaders, ministry quarters, media houses, businesses and even key government buildings, including the Parliament, Supreme Court and Singh Durbar and other key administrative offices, were attacked and set on fire.

On the same day, under growing pressure, the government lifted the ban; however, the demonstrations escalated. 

On 9 September, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned. On 10 September, the army took control of Nepal’s parliament and patrolled the streets amidst curfew in Kathmandu. The Nepal Army stated that the measures were necessitated to curb possible incidents of looting, arson, and other crimes "under the guise of agitation.” Talks between the Nepal Army, President Ram Chandra Paudel and the protesters began to decide the new interim leadership.

On 11 September, the protesters nominated Nepal’s first female Chief Justice Sushila Karki to become Prime Minister of the interim government. 

Issues at large
First, the ban on social media that triggered the protests. Early in the week, the government banned all social media platforms across the country, amidst companies' failure to register under the new rules imposed by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Young protesters saw the social media ban as censorship and an attack on their freedom of expression and civic space. For Gen Z, social media is not merely a source of entertainment, but also education, communication, social life, promoting enterprises, community organising and political expression. 

Second, the youth unrest. The nature of youth participation in the protests makes it unique. Unlike the previous waves of protests in Nepal, this one is not organised by traditional political parties. Instead, it is grassroots, digitally coordinated uprising, largely led by students. The Gen Z generation, born roughly between the mid-1990s and 2010, is challenging both political stagnation and restrictions on digital freedom at the same time. They are demanding that leaders be held accountable and that the political system serve the people, not just the elites. The scale of mobilisation across cities highlights not only the anger of young Nepalese but also their capacity to organise independently and demand a more just and accountable political system.

Third, the long-standing political instability and public discontent over corruption and bad governance. Nepal has a long history of political instability, frequent changes in government and widespread complaints and protests about corruption and bad governance. The country has seen 14 different governments since 2008. No government has completed a full five-year term. Many young Nepalese point out the stark contrast between the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children and the everyday struggles of ordinary youths, who often face joblessness, low wages or the painful choice of migrating abroad for work. This frustration has taken shape online in the form of the #Nepobaby movement, a rallying cry against inherited privilege and political entitlement. Demonstrators are no longer satisfied with small reforms or half-hearted promises. They are demanding wholesale change—mass resignations, new elections and even the dissolution of parliament. Many feel that Nepal’s political institutions have become self-serving, detached from the public and unwilling to prioritise the needs of young citizens.

In perspective
First, so much happened so quickly. Youth protests are not new, but this time, it feels different. Within just 48 hours, the government collapsed, public and private properties were vandalised, and, in some areas, prisoners even broke out of jail. A lot of uncertainties remain.

Second, global connections. Similar youth-led protests are happening in many countries around the world, often focused on issues like digital rights, climate change, inequality and corruption. What makes Nepal’s situation unique is how crucial social media is to young people’s lives. For them, it is not just a tool for entertainment but also for learning, connecting, earning and expressing themselves. Restricting access to these platforms has touched a nerve and brought long-standing frustrations to the surface.

Third, risks and challenges. While the movement is powerful, it comes with risks. Violence can further escalate, leading to more loss of life, property damage and stricter crackdowns from the Nepal Army. There is also the danger of political parties trying to take over the movement for their own benefit, as some leaders and political parties have already begun claiming credit. Keeping the protests peaceful, maintaining focus and turning anger into clear demands are major challenges for the youth. A key question remains: will the movement bring real change or only symbolic gestures?

And finally, on the one hand, the Gen Z protests show that young people in Nepal are becoming more politically aware and active. They want more transparency, accountability and freedom, and they are less willing to tolerate corruption. On the other side, although such destruction was never part of the “Gen Z Revolution”, the movement spiralled out of control, with vested groups taking advantage of the chaos. The Nepal Army has now stepped in to restore order and has urged the protesters to put forward a leader to help form an interim government and stabilise the situation.

Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups
Anu Maria Joseph, Rohini Reenum, Femy Francis, Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Lekshmi MK, Aparna A Nair, M Kejia, Rizwana Banu and Vaihali Chittrothu 

China, East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
China: Joint Border Defence Cooperation exercise with Russia and Mongolia
On 8 September, China, Russia, and Mongolia conducted the Border Defence Cooperation 2025. The joint exercise was held in the border region of the three countries, aimed at preventing and combating terrorism and curbing illegal border activities. PLA issued: “The joint live-fire exercise aims to enhance the strategic coordination among the three parties, strengthen their ability to counter border security threats, further consolidate strategic mutual trust, demonstrate practical cooperation, and deepen traditional friendship.” The three countries established a joint command within Chinese borders and agreed to adhere to the rule of the host country. The host country will take the lead and will have multilateral consultation and parallel command.

South Asia
Pakistan: Punjab faces severe flooding due to the surge in the Sutlej River
On 9 September, The News International reported on severe flooding in Punjab as the Sutlej River swelled. The Flood Forecasting Division reported that water inflows at Islam Headworks at 120,865 cusecs, categorising the situation as a high flood. The Punjab Disaster Management Authority reported that 543,579 cusecs of water are flowing from the Trimmu barrage, 123,168 cusecs from the Ravi River, and 120,598 cusecs from Islam Headworks (Sutlej), towards the city of Multan. Ninety-two villages with nearly 77,000 residents have been affected. Over 60,000 acres of standing crops, including cotton, rice, maize, and sugarcane, have been destroyed. Seventeen relief camps have been opened as authorities warn of high pressure on embankments at Kaliya Shah, Sharaf, Hasan Shah, and Mian Hakim, but affirmed that all protective dykes are intact. The Punjab Disaster Management Authority reported water flows of 543,579 cusecs from Trimmu, 123,168 cusecs from Sidhnai on the Ravi, and 120,598 cusecs from Islam Headworks on the Sutlej, all moving towards Multan.

The Middle East and Africa
The War in Gaza: "If we didn't get them this time, we'll get them the next time," says Israel’s ambassador to the US, following the targeted assassination attempt on the Hamas leaders in Doha
On 10 September, Israel’s ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, stated that next time Israel would succeed in killing the Hamas leaders who survived the Israeli strikes on Qatar. "If we didn't get them this time, we'll get them the next time," said Leiter in a program with Fox News. On 9 September, Israel attempted to assassinate Hamas political leaders through airstrikes in Doha. Qatar has been hosting the leadership and mediating ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. According to Hamas, five members, including the son of its exiled Gaza chief and top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, had been killed in the attack, while the top leadership survived the attack. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said that the airstrikes threatened to derail the peace talks and that Israel was treacherous and engaged in "state terrorism." President Trump had condemned the attack, stating that he was "very unhappy about every aspect" of the Israeli strike.

The War in Gaza: Israel threatens “mighty hurricane” of airstrikes until Hamas surrenders
On 8 September, Israel threatened Hamas by vowing to increase the airstrikes on Gaza in a “mighty hurricane” if Hamas does not surrender and release all hostages. Residents reported that Israel’s air strikes have bombed Gaza and blown up old armoured vehicles in the streets. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, wrote: “A mighty hurricane will hit the skies of Gaza City today, and the roofs of the terror towers will shake." Hamas stated that it was considering the US ceasefire proposal, which President Trump called the militant group’s “last chance.” An Israeli official has said that Israel was “seriously considering” the ceasefire proposal, but did not elaborate. Hamas has stated long before that it intends to withhold a few hostages as a bargaining chip and later stated that it would release all of them when there is a "clear announcement of an end to the war." On the same day, two Palestinian gunmen killed six people by firing at a bus stop on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Israel’s police reported that the perpetrators were shot dead on the ground by a soldier and an armed civilian. Netanyahu visited the place and said that Israel’s forces were tracing the instigator behind the scenes. Hamas and Islamic Jihad praised the two attackers. 

Qatar: Responds to Israel’s Doha attack 
On 10 September, Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani called for a “collective response” against Israel’s 9 September attack on Doha. He termed the attack and Israel’s actions as “bullying” and vowed a regional response. He also cautioned that “the entire Gulf region is at risk.” Israel attacked Hamas leaders in Doha as they were meeting to discuss a recent ceasefire proposal about Gaza put forth by US President Donald Trump. Thani has then termed the attack as “a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and security, and a clear violation of the rules and principles of international law.” No Hamas leader was killed; however, seven others perished in the attack. The attack has received widespread international condemnation. 

Yemen: Israeli air strikes kill 35 people
On 10 September, Israel launched air strikes against targets in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and al-Jawf governorate. Yemen’s Ministry of Health confirmed that 35 people were killed and 131 were injured in the attacks. The ministry also revealed that the strikes targeted civilian and residential areas and a medical facility on 60th Street in Sanaa. Additionally, a government compound in al-Jawf’s capital, al-Hazm, was also struck. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed that in retaliation for the Israeli aggression, they used surface-to-air missiles, which forced the latter’s planes to retreat.  

Lebanon: Hezbollah chief welcomes army’s plan to dismantle the group if Israel scales down operations in Southern Lebanon
On 6 September, Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qmati stated that the group welcomed the Lebanese army’s plan to dismantle the group and establish a state monopoly on arms. He stated that the plan was “an opportunity to return to wisdom and reason, preventing the country from slipping into the unknown.” On 5 September, the Lebanese cabinet approved the army’s plan without establishing a stipulated timeframe. In August, the cabinet had tasked the army with developing a plan on establishing a state monopoly over arms trade and approved a US roadmap that demanded the dismantling of Hezbollah in exchange for a halt in Israeli military operations. Israel had also signalled agreement to the same. However, Hezbollah had “unequivocally rejected” both the demands. Qamati stated that the implementation of the new plan would not be effective without Israel halting strikes and withdrawing forces from Southern Lebanon, and that the plan should remain “suspended until further notice.”

Sudan: UN Human Rights Council-mandated mission says the RSF committed crimes against humanity in el-Fashir 
On 5 September, the UN-mandated mission stated multiple crimes were committed against humanity during the siege of el-Fashir by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the North Darfur region. These crimes include large-scale killings, sexual and gender-based violence, the destruction of livelihoods, and starvation as a warfare tactic, depriving civilians of essentials like food and medicine. The 18-page UN report is based on more than 200 interviews with survivors of violence, and video material and submissions from civil organisations. Neither side responded to the allegations, having previously dismissed similar accusations.

DR Congo: UN Human Rights Office report states war crimes and human rights violations by M23, Congolese armed forces and other affiliated armed groups
On 5 September, the UN Human Rights office stated that the M23 rebel group and Congolese armed forces had committed grave violations of human rights in eastern DRC that may count as war crimes. This is the first UN report to scrutinise whether the abuses may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes. The report by the UN Human Rights Office’s Fact-Finding Mission probed the gross violations of international humanitarian law due to fighting in North and South Kivu that resulted in the killing of thousands and the displacement of hundreds of thousands this year. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has commented: "The atrocities described in this report are horrific." The report exemplified systematic sexual violence against women with instances of gang rape that "degrade, punish, and break the dignity of victims." The M23 has previously denied such allegations. The report also stated that DRC armed forces and affiliated armed groups, such as Wazalendo, which is known as a pro-government militia, have also committed such abuses. While the report probed into the recurrent rape cases, it could not determine that these acts were state policy.

Nigeria: Boat capsizes in Niger River, killing dozens
On 6 September, at least 32 people died in Nigeria’s northern Niger state after an overloaded boat carrying 100 passengers capsized after hitting a submerged tree stump. The victims, including women and children, were en route to a nearby village. Over 50 people were rescued, while eight remain missing. Boat accidents are common in Nigeria due to poor regulation and safety enforcement. Authorities have launched investigations and emphasised the importance of wearing life jackets and implementing anti-overloading measures.

Nigeria: At least 60 people killed in a Boko Haram attack
On 9 September, Boko Haram militants launched an overnight assault on Darul Jamal village in Nigeria’s Borno State, killing more than 60 people, including five soldiers. The town, recently resettled after years of displacement, was left in ruins with houses and buses destroyed. Thirteen workers involved in reconstruction were among the dead. The Nigerian Air Force responded with airstrikes, killing over 30 insurgents. Governor Babagana Zulum called for increased military support, citing the army’s limited capacity.

Europe and the Americas
The War in Ukraine: Poland shoots down drones, marking NATO’s first air defence action during the war 
On 10 September, Poland intercepted and shot down drones that violated its airspace during a large Russian aerial assault on Ukraine. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident as the closest Poland had come to open conflict since World War II. He invoked NATO’s Article 4 for consultations. Moscow denied responsibility, suggesting the drones originated from Ukraine. The drone attack occurred amid Russia’s escalating cross-border strikes, heightening risks of spillover into NATO territory. The consultations could lead to stronger NATO deployments along the eastern flank and intensify debates over alliance obligations under Article 5.

The War in Ukraine: Russian airstrike on pension collection point kills 23 civilians; President Zelensky demands global response
On 9 September, a Russian airstrike hit the eastern Ukrainian village of Yarova, striking a pension collection point. The attack killed 23 civilians, including elderly pensioners, and injured 18 others, according to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as a deliberate assault on civilians and called for an urgent international response from the US, Europe, and the G20. Ukraine’s human rights commissioner described the strike as evidence of “systemic terror.” Russia did not comment, but has repeatedly denied targeting civilians. The strike occurred several kilometres behind the front line, underscoring the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure amid intensified Russian aerial assaults since the invasion began in 2022. President Zelensky’s appeal is expected to amplify calls for stronger Western support and may intensify debates on additional sanctions or military aid to Ukraine.

The War in Ukraine: Trump warns Russia with punitive sanctions; Russia attacks the energy sector in Ukraine
On 8 September, Trump threatened Russia with substantial tariffs after the latest attack that killed four people and destroyed an administrative building in Ukraine. The attack with 810 drones and 13 missiles is considered the largest of all attacks in three years. US President Donald Trump was reported to have been disappointed and had planned to shift to the “second phase” by pressuring the Russian economy, which needed European support. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that they were in a race between the strength of Ukraine's military and the strength of the Russian economy. China and India were among the largest markets for Russian exports, and India was imposed with 50 per cent tariffs. The US planned to stop purchases, and Europe reduced its purchases. On 8 September, Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy said Russia attacked a thermal power generation facility in the Kyiv region, resulting in blackouts and gas outages. It was after Russia's largest air attack. The governor of Kyiv region said the attack damaged the local gas grid and that 8,000 properties in eight settlements would be disconnected from their gas supply for the next two days as the repairs were in progress.

The US: President Trump signs an executive order to rename the Department of Defence as the 'Department of War'
On 6 September, US President Trump signed an executive order to rename the Department of Defence as the Department of War. At the signing ceremony, Trump said: "It's a very important change, because it's an attitude," and "It's really about winning." Having required congressional approval, this order will change the title, update signage and letterheads used by the Pentagon officials and military installations across the world. The government's now 'Secretary of War' Pete Hegseth said: "We're going to go on the offence, not just on defence. Maximum lethality, not tepid legality." 

Issues
Climate Change: Pacific Island Countries convene a week-long Honiara summit in Solomon Islands on climate resilience and regional security; Africa holds Second Climate Summit to promote green development model 
On 8 September, Pacific Island leaders commenced a week-long summit in Honiara, Solomon Islands, focused on regional security and climate resilience. Central to the agenda was an “Ocean of Peace” declaration aimed at diffusing escalating Indo-Pacific tensions. The summit also strengthened Australia’s bid to host COP31, following Canberra’s offer to collaborate on pressing climate threats like rising seas and extreme weather. Due to diplomatic sensitivities, donor partners, including China, Taiwan, and the US, were excluded from attending. Meanwhile, at Africa’s second climate summit in Ethiopia, leaders pledged the continent would model green development in response to diminishing US engagement on climate action. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proposed an initiative to generate 1,000 African-led climate solutions by 2030 and expressed interest in hosting COP32 in 2027. They also urged greater climate finance, noting Africa receives merely one per cent of global climate funding despite bearing the brunt of climate impacts.

About the authors
Mahesh Bhatta is a Project Manager at COSATT. Rohini Reenum is a PhD Scholar at NIAS. Anu Maria Joseph and Femy Francis are Project Associates at NIAS. Brighty Ann Sarah and R Preetha are postgraduate students at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. Lekshmi MK is a postgraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. Rizwana Banu, and Aparna A Nair are undergraduate students at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. M Kejia is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry. Swati Sood is an undergraduate student at Vivekananda College, University of Delhi. Vaihali Chittrothu is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science, St Ann's College for Women, Hyderabad.

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