Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal’s first female prime minister amid unrest

Anadolu Agency

Nepal has formed an interim administration amid ongoing political turmoil, with former Chief Justice Sushila Karki sworn in on Saturday as the country’s first female prime minister.

Following her appointment, curfew and prohibitory orders imposed in the capital Kathmandu earlier this week were lifted, though access to certain sensitive areas remains restricted.

The curfew had been enforced after mass protests, sparked by a government ban on social media, descended into violence. Since Monday, at least 51 people have been killed and hundreds injured in the unrest.

What began as demonstrations against the social media ban soon grew into a wider movement denouncing alleged corruption and nepotism within the political elite. Protesters have targeted officials’ residences, the Supreme Court, and other public buildings.

In an unprecedented move, President Ramchandra Paudel appointed Karki from outside parliament. Shortly after administering her oath of office, he dissolved the 275-seat legislature. Fresh elections have been scheduled for March.

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