KATHMANDU, Nepal — In a historic moment for Nepal, Sushila Karki, the country’s first female prime minister, took office on Sunday and called for “calm and cooperation” to rebuild the Himalayan nation after days of violent unrest that killed at least 72 people and damaged key government institutions.
Karki, 73, addressed senior officials at a temporary office, promising swift relief for families affected by last week’s turmoil. Each family of those killed will receive 1 million rupees (about $11,330) in compensation, and medical support will be provided to the injured, according to state television.
“We must unite to heal and rebuild,” Karki said, vowing to steer Nepal back on course after one of the most severe political crises in recent memory.
The protests — dubbed the “Gen Z Uprising” — erupted on Sept. 8 after a short-lived social media ban ignited widespread frustration over corruption, inequality, and economic stagnation. Anger boiled over as images of politicians’ children, known locally as “nepo kids,” living lavishly went viral. Tens of thousands of mostly young demonstrators poured into the streets, targeting symbols of political power.
The unrest escalated when protesters stormed parliament, prompting police gunfire. Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned and fled his residence as mobs torched Kathmandu’s historic prime ministerial palace, the offices of the president, supreme court, several ministries, and police stations on Sept. 9. Businesses tied to influential families, including a major supermarket chain, were also attacked.
The army imposed order later that night, paving the way for negotiations between protest leaders, military officials, and the president. Karki, celebrated for her anti-corruption stance as Nepal’s first female chief justice in 2016–17, was appointed prime minister on Sept. 12 to lead an interim government.
Fresh parliamentary elections are scheduled for March 5, a move aimed at restoring political stability in the South Asian nation.
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