The protests in Nepal in September 2025 were primarily sparked by the government's ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube. However, the root causes go deeper, reflecting widespread frustration among the youth, particularly Generation Z, over government corruption, nepotism, and economic hardships. The government's ban was seen as an attempt to silence political dissent and control free speech, triggering large-scale demonstrations led mainly by young students and citizens. The protesters demanded the lifting of the social media ban and an end to corrupt practices by political leaders. The protests escalated into violence, with clashes between protesters and security forces, leading to numerous casualties and the resignation of Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli. Key reasons for the protests include:
- Government corruption and nepotism, highlighted by a social media trend exposing the privileged lifestyles of politicians' children ("Nepo Kids").
- The social media ban as a direct catalyst, seen by many as suppressing free speech and political accountability.
- High youth unemployment (around 20%) and economic difficulties, with a large population of young people (median age 25) having limited opportunities.
- The protests represented a generational frustration for political transparency and economic reforms.
The unrest involved violent confrontations, vandalism of government buildings, and continued civil disruption, marking one of the most significant protests and political crises in Nepal for decades.
