Nepal protests: Sushila Karki, former chief justice, named by Gen-Z to lead interim government

September 10, 2025

Kathmandu, Nepal: Amid violent Gen-Z–led protests that toppled Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s government on Tuesday, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has reportedly been named to head an interim administration in Nepal.

The Nepalese Army has assumed control of the country, while protesters met on Wednesday to choose representatives to engage with stakeholders on forming a transitional government and restoring order.

According to reports, more than 4,000 young people joined an online meeting where Karki’s name was proposed and widely agreed upon as the choice to lead talks with the army and oversee the interim setup.

Who Is Sushila Karki?

Sushila Karki is Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, appointed in 2016 and serving until her retirement in 2017. Known for her independent and reformist approach, she presided over several landmark cases involving corruption and political accountability.

Her appointment was seen as a breakthrough for women in Nepal’s judiciary. Since retiring, Karki has avoided party politics, earning a reputation as a respected civic figure — a key reason her name emerged as a neutral choice for leadership during the current crisis.

Key Updates from Nepal

• Protest leaders stressed that no youth linked to political parties should be involved in leadership discussions, with Karki chosen to maintain neutrality.

• Participants called for trusted figures capable of negotiating with the army and managing compensation for victims of Tuesday’s violence. Nepalis abroad also joined the virtual discussions.

• No new prison breaks were reported by Wednesday afternoon, though earlier the Nepali Army opened fire during an escape attempt at Dhading District Prison, killing a man in his seventies and critically injuring two others.

• Tribhuvan International Airport reopened for flights on Wednesday afternoon, with operations resuming around 3:30 p.m. local time.

• The Nepali Congress appealed for restraint, dialogue, and unity, urging political leaders, security agencies, civil society, media, and the international community to support peace efforts.