Unemployment, state corruption, social media censorship and authoritarian repression – these are major ingredients of the youth rebellion that is currently sweeping Nepal, which draws on similar recent movements in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. While each has specific causes and dynamics there are significant similarities in what has been dubbed “The Gen Z revolution”, springing from common experiences in these parts of south and southeast Asia.
The Nepal revolt last week erupted when thousands of young people took to the streets, protesting against what they say is a corrupt and ageing government. It had just banned social media platforms from highlighting gross displays of wealth among the younger offspring of government members, reminding their users of the huge inequalities involved. Two days of escalating protests against military and police attacks in Kathmandu and other urban centres led to 72 deaths with more than 2,000 injured. The prime minister KP Sharma resigned after the parliament building was set on fire. He has been replaced by a caretaker figure, the former chief justice Sushila Karki.
These striking events tell a story about a highly engaged yet socially frustrated younger population which has just demonstrated its capacity for political change. Its spokespeople are as surprised as onlookers from near and far about how rapidly they have toppled the holders of power. Where to go from here is a much larger question. They have identified the objects of their anger more clearly than the goals of their protests.
The movement has yet to demonstrate long- term political objectives and still relies largely on social media engagement. Its demands for greater employment and equality require significant policy changes .
RM Block
Creating links with fellow protesters in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka would allow the protesters to share experiences and coordinate demands. They have many things in common, not least their sheer demographic power in this dynamic world region.
