Communism in Nepal did not fall overnight. The resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, following the mass protests in September 2025, marked the end of a power cycle of the Communist Party of Nepal that, with various factions and names, dominated the political landscape of the country for over three decades. Its history is marked by a bloody civil war, unstable coalitions, allegations of corruption, and, in its final years, an authoritarian drift that led to its collapse in the face of a new generation of Nepalis who said enough is enough.
From guerrilla to political power
The Communist Party of Nepal emerged as a Maoist insurgent force in the 1990s. In 1996, it began a civil war against the constitutional monarchy with the aim of abolishing the monarchy and establishing a people's republic. Over the course of 10 years, the conflict resulted in more than 17,000 deaths and left deep scars on the population.
In 2006, following a peace agreement, the Maoists laid down their arms and joined the political process. In 2008, after the abolition of the monarchy, Nepal officially became a democratic federal republic, with a new constitution promised and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) winning the elections.
Unification and internal struggles
In 2018, two major communist factions — the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) — merged to form the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) in a historic fusion that promised stability. Its leader, K.P. Sharma Oli, became prime minister with a parliamentary majority.
However, the dream of unity soon turned into a nightmare: internal power struggles, attempts to dissolve Parliament, and an authoritarian drift quickly eroded the legitimacy of the government. The Supreme Court declared the merger unconstitutional in 2021, forcing the parties to separate, which brought old rivalries back to the surface.
Censorship, repression, and youth discontent
During his second term, Oli faced criticism for authoritarian measures, such as attacks on press freedom, arrests of critics, and the excessive use of presidential decrees. Corruption worsened: opaque contracts, nepotism, and the illicit enrichment of officials characterized the years of communist rule.
The breaking point came on September 9, when the government blocked access to social networks such as Facebook, X, and YouTube, requiring registration with the State. This measure was interpreted by thousands of young people as a direct threat to their freedom of expression, triggering the largest protests since the abolition of the monarchy.
With a repressive response that left at least 19 dead and dozens injured, the government lost its last vestige of legitimacy. After days of unrest and the burning of public buildings, Oli submitted his resignation on September 9. Several ministers followed suit.
Current situation: uncertainty and transition
On September 10, Nepal is under provisional control of the Army, with a transitional government being formed. Political and social sectors have proposed former judge Sushila Karki as a possible interim prime minister, while new elections are called for and a process of deep reforms is initiated.
Meanwhile, the Nepali youth remains mobilized. What began as a reaction against digital censorship has transformed into a broad movement for democracy, transparency, and political renewal. Many sectors are demanding that no former communist leader should be able to run in the upcoming electoral cycle.
The collapse of Nepal's communist government marks the end of an era that began with an armed revolution and concluded with a massive rejection by the younger generations. In a country that dreamed of social justice and found itself ensnared in authoritarianism, history seems poised to turn a new page.
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