Nepal’s prime minister resigns over deadly anti-corruption protests but uncertainty looms
K.P. Sharma Oli has resigned after 19 people were killed in violent protests triggered by a social media ban
“I have resigned from the post of prime minister with effect from today … in order to take further steps towards a political solution and resolution of the problems,” Oli said in a letter to President Ram Chandra Paudel.
The 73-year-old’s move plunges the country into fresh political uncertainty. His resignation follows that of his home minister, Ramesh Lekhak, on Monday. Two other ministers also quit on Tuesday, according to local media.
Following Oli’s resignation, the chief secretary of the Government of Nepal, along with heads of the security forces, asked for restraint and urged a peaceful solution through political dialogue in a joint statement.
In a separate statement, Nepal’s Army said it was committed to protecting the people and called for national unity that would prevent any escalation.
On Tuesday, Paudel appealed to the protesters for talks. Urging people to exercise restraint and prevent further harm to the country, he said that in a democracy, citizens’ demands could be addressed through dialogue and negotiation.
