Nepal made history Friday by appointing former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as its first woman prime minister, following days of violent protests that forced Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli to resign and flee his residence.
President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved parliament and announced fresh elections for March 5, acting on Karki’s recommendation. The 73-year-old Karki, widely respected for her anti-corruption stance during her tenure as the country’s first female chief justice in 2016–2017, was sworn in during a small televised ceremony at the presidential residence.
The appointment comes after a week of chaos in Kathmandu, where tens of thousands of protesters — mostly young people — stormed and set fire to parliament, the presidential residence, and businesses. The demonstrations, dubbed the “Gen Z protests,” were initially sparked by a government ban on Facebook, X, and YouTube but quickly escalated into a nationwide movement against corruption and political privilege.
At least 51 people have been killed, including protesters shot by police and several inmates who died during a jailbreak attempt. Three police officers were also among the dead. The army took control of the capital Tuesday night, enforcing a strict curfew with limited hours for residents to buy food and supplies.
Karki, known for her fierce independence, faces the daunting task of restoring calm, rebuilding public trust, and guiding Nepal toward elections under military watch. Her appointment is being seen as both a symbol of reform and a last attempt to stabilize a nation on edge.
Would you like me to add a paragraph highlighting global reactions — for example, how India, China, and Western nations are responding to Nepal’s sudden political shift and Karki’s appointment?