Kathmandu, Nepal- Nepal’s army has resumed talks with protesters to pick an interim leader for the Himalayan nation, following violence that removed the government of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
The discussions come as the country grapples with widespread protests that have left dozens dead and many more injured. Army spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet said, “Initial talks are on and would continue today. We are trying to normalise the situation slowly.”
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is reportedly the frontrunner for the interim leader position, with her name suggested by many of those leading the protests.
Karki, 73, has given her consent, but efforts are being made to find a constitutional route to appoint her.
Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and several others have voiced support for Karki, but divisions within both the protest camp and mainstream parties leave Nepal’s political future unclear.
The protests, popularly referred to as the “Gen Z” protests, were triggered by a social media ban that authorities rolled back after deadly protests this week.
The demonstrators are voicing frustration at the government’s perceived failure to fight corruption and boost economic opportunities.
Government buildings, including the Supreme Court and ministers’ homes, were set ablaze in the protests, which only subsided after the prime minister resigned.
The army has taken control of the streets, with soldiers patrolling the quiet streets of Kathmandu for a second day.
The nationwide curfew first imposed on Tuesday night will remain in place until Friday, but the army has eased restrictions to allow smoother movement for essential service workers. The death toll from the protests had risen to 31 by Thursday, local media reported.
The next big question is whether an interim government can be formed and what it will look like. Reports from Kathmandu, said, “A lot of the groups that have led these protests… don’t necessarily see eye to eye and work together.
Some of them are in open conflict with each other, so it’s [a] difficult [situation] but the military is trying to facilitate this dialogue to lead to an interim government.”
The situation on the ground is “very tense; it could go either way at the moment”, said McBride. “The hope is that there will be a political solution to this situation.”
The situation in Nepal remains uncertain, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The protesters are demanding accountability and transparency from the government, and it remains to be seen how the interim government will address these demands.
As the country navigates this challenging period, the international community is watching closely, hoping for a peaceful and democratic solution.
Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel has appealed to all parties to be confident that a solution to the problem is being sought as soon as possible to address the demands of the protesting citizens.
“I am consulting and making every effort to find a way out of the current difficult situation in the country within the constitutional framework,” Paudel said in a statement.
“I appeal to all parties to be confident that a solution to the problem is being sought as soon as possible to address the demands of the protesting citizens.” Paudel also urged Nepalis to “practice restraint and cooperate to maintain peace and order in the country”.
The situation in Nepal is complex and multifaceted, with many different stakeholders and interests at play. As the country navigates this challenging period, it is essential to prioritize dialogue, transparency, and accountability.
The international community is watching closely, and it is hoped that a peaceful and democratic solution will be found. The protesters’ demands for accountability and transparency must be addressed, and the interim government must work to build trust and stability in the country.
Only through a peaceful and inclusive process can Nepal move forward and address the challenges that have led to this crisis.