The Nepalese authorities signed a historic agreement this Wednesday (10) with representatives of Generation Z, three months after the September protests which led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and left at least 25 dead.
The protests, initially sparked by anger over the official ban on social media, were led by Nepal’s youth, united under the banner of Generation Z. The actions were fueled by frustrations over economic adversity and political corruption.
Those at the ceremony in the capital Kathmandu applauded as caretaker Prime Minister Sushila Karki signed the agreement with Bhoj Bikram Thapa, representing those killed and injured during the protests.
“This is an important step,” the Prime Minister said. “We are all on the same side. What we all want is for young people to have access to leadership positions and for the country to be governed according to their aspirations and ideas,” he added.
The term “Generation Z,” which refers to young people born between the late 1990s and late 2000s, is often used by movements born among young people frustrated by inequality. These mobilizations have multiplied and have threatened, in recent months, the governments of three continents where young people are numerous: Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The agreement signed this Wednesday in Nepal defines measures to fight corruption in the country, strengthen governance and provides for electoral and constitutional reforms.
According to the document, the government is committed to responding to the demands of the families of those killed or injured during the protests and to expanding the mandate of the commission of inquiry into the events.
“It’s a very exciting moment and a historic victory for all of Generation Z,” Yujan Rajbhandari, 23, who was present at the signing, told AFP. “This agreement legitimizes the Gen Z movement and we hope it will bring justice to the families of the martyrs,” he added.
At least 25 people died as a result of the crackdown on the first day of the protests, which took place in September. The next day, riots spread throughout the country. The seat of Parliament and government buildings were set on fire, leading to the fall of the government.
At least 76 people were killed in ten days of unrest. Days later, former chief justice Sushila Karki Karki, 73, was appointed caretaker prime minister to lead the country until new elections are held on March 5.
Nepal’s political landscape remains volatile, with widespread distrust of major parties complicating efforts to ensure fair elections.
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