Kathmandu, Sept. 12 — Nepal’s president on Friday appointed former chief justice Sushila Karki as prime minister, following days of deadly anti-corruption protests that toppled the government of KP Sharma Oli.
Karki, 73, the country’s first female chief justice, will be sworn in Friday evening, presidential press adviser Kiran Pokharel confirmed. A new council of ministers is expected to be formed afterward.
The Himalayan nation of 30 million was rocked by unrest this week after security forces cracked down on youth-led demonstrations against corruption and a social media ban. At least 51 people were killed, including 21 protesters, in the bloodiest violence since Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008.
Oli, 73, resigned on Tuesday and has not been seen publicly since. The army has imposed curfews and patrols in Kathmandu, where protesters set fire to parliament, government buildings, and a hotel. Over 12,500 prisoners escaped during the chaos, with many still at large, police said.
Youth activists under the “Gen Z” banner welcomed Karki’s appointment, saying they had reached an agreement with the presidency to dissolve parliament and install her as leader.
“It is a moment of victory… finally the power vacuum has ended,” said protester Amrita Ban.
“We started this movement so we could make a better Nepal,” added 24-year-old James Karki.
The protests reflect deep economic frustrations in Nepal, where youth unemployment is nearly 20% and GDP per capita stands at just $1,447, according to World Bank data.
For many in Kathmandu, Friday’s relative calm allowed people to restock food and supplies after days under curfew.
