Nepal Appoints First Female Prime Minister Sushila Karki Amid Deadly Protests and Prison Break
Story: written by Uzuh Rita September 13,2025
Nepal has appointed Sushila Karki, the country’s former Chief Justice, as interim prime minister in an emergency move to restore calm after a week of violent protests that left at least 51 people dead, more than 1,300 injured, and triggered a mass prison break.
President Ramchandra Poudel confirmed Karki’s appointment on Friday, making her the first female head of government in Nepal’s history. The 73-year-old, who previously served as the Supreme Court’s only female chief justice, was sworn in during a ceremony at the presidential residence broadcast live on state television.
The unrest erupted after demonstrations against government corruption, poor governance, and a ban on social media spiraled into nationwide chaos. Protesters torched parliament on Tuesday, prompting the resignation of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the deployment of the army under curfew orders.
Police spokesperson Binod Ghimire said the fatalities included 21 protesters, nine prisoners, three police officers, and 18 civilians. He added that 12,533 escaped inmates remain at large out of nearly 13,500 who broke free during the riots. Some fugitives have attempted to cross into India, where border forces have detained dozens.
Authorities also confirmed that more than 100 looted firearms have been recovered, though some demonstrators were seen wielding automatic rifles during clashes with security forces.
Karki, widely regarded as a strong anti-corruption advocate, was chosen as a consensus figure amid pressure from Nepal’s youth-led movement. However, questions remain about the legality of her appointment, as she is not a member of parliament. Analysts warn that Nepal may face a prolonged period of political uncertainty despite her historic swearing-in.
Shops reopened and traffic resumed in Kathmandu on Friday, offering signs of fragile normalcy, though grieving families continued collecting bodies of loved ones killed in the violence.
