Nepal is taking its first cautious steps toward recovery after a week of intense political violence that left dozens dead and key government buildings in flames. The country’s newly sworn-in interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, began her tenure on Saturday with a powerful gesture of reconciliation: a visit to hospitals to meet with the families and victims of the anti-corruption protests.
Karki, 73, who is Nepal’s first female Prime Minister and a former Supreme Court chief justice known for her anti-corruption stance, took her oath of office on Friday night. Her appointment, which came after a day of tense deliberations between political leaders, military officials, and representatives of the Gen Z youth movement, is seen as a crucial step in stabilizing the country. In her first hours in office, she also visited sites damaged by arson and vandalism, including the Parliament building and luxury hotels.
The military has been patrolling the streets under a strict curfew, which was partially lifted on Saturday morning for the first time since the protests erupted. This brief respite allowed citizens to venture out, with volunteers taking to the streets to clear debris. The sight drew praise from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who congratulated Karki and highlighted the cleanup efforts.
Despite the political breakthrough, the atmosphere in Kathmandu remains tense. Security forces are still stationed at key government buildings, and residents are flocking to take pictures of the charred remains of the Parliament and Supreme Court buildings. The violence has also led to a widespread security crisis, with an estimated 7,000 to 12,000 prisoners escaping from jails across multiple districts. Authorities have issued appeals for the escaped inmates to surrender, promising no legal action if they return.
The protests, which were initially triggered by a government ban on 26 social media platforms, quickly spiraled into a broader movement against corruption and economic inequality. The social media ban has since been lifted, but the deep-seated grievances remain. Karki has been given a six-month mandate to form a cabinet and hold fresh elections, which President Ramchandra Poudel has called for on March 5, 2026.