Nepal Lifts Curfew as Sushila Karki Appointed Interim Prime Minister

Nepalese authorities lifted the curfew in Kathmandu and surrounding areas on Saturday, signaling a return to normalcy after a week of violent protests that resulted in at least 51 deaths. The unrest was initially sparked by a government-imposed social media ban, which was later rescinded, but demonstrations continued over broader grievances, including corruption and economic disparity.

On Friday, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal's interim prime minister, becoming the country's first woman to hold the position. President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed Karki and dissolved parliament, setting elections for March 5, 2026. Karki, 73, is known for her anti-corruption stance during her tenure as the Supreme Court's only female chief justice from 2016 to 2017.

Following the lifting of the curfew, daily life in Kathmandu began to resume. Markets reopened, traffic returned to the streets, and public transportation services resumed operations. However, authorities have indicated that some sensitive areas will remain off-limits to prevent potential protests and maintain order.

The protests, largely driven by the youth-led 'Gen Z' movement, escalated into a broader call for systemic change. Demonstrators targeted government buildings, including the parliament and the presidential residence, leading to significant property damage. The appointment of Karki, who emerged as a consensus candidate through public support, is seen as a step toward addressing the protesters' demands for a corruption-free government and a more accountable political system.