Nepal’s September crisis
Many Samunnat supporters have been wondering about the effect of the Nepalese political upheavals on the organisation. In this short post I write about some of the background to the crisis, then describe what has happened in eastern Nepal and how the organisation is managing.
Young people in Nepal have been concerned about corruption, nepotism and poor governance for a long time. They have expressed dismay that the Prime Ministership has been shared between three older men, on a rotating basis, for over a decade. Many have posted on social media about the lack of opportunity that is driving a generation to seek work outside Nepal while posting pictures of politicians’ families leading a life of privilege. On the 4th of September the government blocked 26 social media sites, including Facebook and WhatsApp, the lifeblood of communication for many in Nepal. On the 8th and 9th of September young people took to the streets.
Protesters massed in Kathmandu
Image from nepalnews.net
There have been graphic scenes shown around the world of young demonstrators, under the banner of Gen Z, being beaten and shot by police. No doubt some of the violence and destruction was triggered by violent elements infiltrating the demonstrations. There were many groups out on the streets. But the police response triggered destruction, fires and looting in Kathmandu and many large centres around Nepal.
Towns and cities in eastern Nepal were involved in the upheaval. This was true in Samunnat Nepal’s home in Birtamod and in nearby centres including Damak and Itahari. In Birtamod, houses of politicians were attacked and the large Bhatbhateni supermarket was burnt and looted. The Samunnat office was closed during a curfew that lasted several days. All of the Samunnat women are safe and have returned to their normal routine. Kopila has spoken of the fear and uncertainty of those days as rumours flew around about the army taking over, the king returning, India sending in troops and an American conspiracy unfolding.
Across the country, 11 Bhatbhateni supermarkets were completly gutted.
Image from Clickmandu
None of these rumours were true. The President has appointed Nepal’s first female PM, Sushila Karki, for a six-month term, or until elections can be held. She is appointing ministers to help govern. An election is planned for March 2026. There have been some hiccups – and there will be more – but the initial signs have been cautiously positive. For many Nepalis life has resumed, transport and services are running again, offices are open. Some damage, such as destruction of legal files and documents, will be impossible to repair. Buildings and hotels face a difficult reconstruction.
Wendy and Janice both have visits planned in October and November to work with the women. At this stage, these visits will go ahead, almost certainly. There was a tour group planned to visit Samunnat in November. Unfortunately, this tour has been cancelled due to uncertainty about the situation.
The women of Samunnat are very sad that Nepal is working through another crisis. Just maybe this will be a chance to bring about meaningful change and some of the entrenched patterns that hold the country back can be broken down. I think this meaningful change can only come from Nepal’s younger people. For now, they are having a red hot go at it.