Sushila Karki Takes Charge as Nepal’s Caretaker Leader Amid Crisis

Sushila Karki, a former chief justice recognized for her strong anti-corruption stance, has been appointed as Nepal’s caretaker leader following the collapse of the government and deadly protests led by youth activists. Her appointment on March 15, 2024, was confirmed by Sunil Bahadur Thapa, an adviser to the president, in light of demands from student protesters who have been vocal about their grievances.

The unrest began earlier in the week when protests, primarily organized by members of “Gen Z,” erupted in response to widespread frustration over government corruption and a controversial ban on social media. These protests escalated dramatically, culminating in violence when security forces opened fire on demonstrators. Reports indicate that the crackdown resulted in several deaths, prompting the resignation of the prime minister, who accepted responsibility for the violence.

Government Response and Escalating Violence

In the wake of the violent events, the government lifted the social media ban, which had been a point of contention among the youth. Despite this concession, the situation continued to deteriorate. On the following day, violent mobs swept through various regions of Nepal, leading to the destruction and looting of thousands of buildings, including key government offices.

According to police figures released late on March 15, over 50 people have lost their lives during this period of upheaval, with nearly every major state institution suffering significant damage. The extent of the chaos reflects deep-seated frustrations within the population regarding governance and accountability.

Karki’s appointment as caretaker leader is seen as a crucial step for the crisis-stricken nation. As a respected figure in the judiciary, her leadership may offer a path towards restoring stability and rebuilding trust in governmental institutions. The challenges ahead are substantial, as Karki must navigate a divided populace and calls for systemic change.

The situation remains fluid, and the response of the new caretaker government will be closely monitored both domestically and internationally. With Karki at the helm, many hope for a renewed focus on governance reforms and efforts to address the root causes of the unrest that has plagued Nepal in recent days.