Former Nepal Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki took the oath as the interim prime minister on Friday, stepping into a leadership vacuum following violent anti-corruption protests that precipitated the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and other key officials. Karki, celebrated for her unwavering stance against corruption, marks a historic milestone as the first woman to head the Nepali government.

The appointment came against the backdrop of intense national discord, with over 100,000 citizens actively engaging on Discord, a platform initially popular among gamers, to voice their concerns and envision a new political future for Nepal. This digital congregation led to significant political engagements, including discussions with the military, which has been maintaining a nationwide curfew amidst the crisis.

The protests, which erupted in Kathmandu, were initially sparked by government restrictions on unregistered social media platforms but quickly escalated into broader grievances against systemic corruption and inadequate governance. The government's response, which included the use of live ammunition against demonstrators, resulted in at least 50 deaths and over 1,000 injuries, exacerbating public dissent.

In a dramatic turn of events, protesters torched the Singha Durbar palace, a significant government complex, and the residence of the Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung. The chaos also led to the escape of more than 13,500 prisoners and the looting of nearly 100 firearms, further complicating the national crisis.

Amidst the turmoil, Nepal’s military played a crucial role in transitioning leadership by brokering peace talks and supporting Karki’s appointment. This interim government has temporarily lifted some restrictions, allowing citizens to access essential services.

Nepal's constitution upholds the right to peaceful assembly, a principle that has been severely tested in recent events. The international community, guided by UN principles, has called for restraint and adherence to less aggressive means of crowd control, advocating for minimal use of force.

As interim prime minister, Sushila Karki faces the formidable task of navigating Nepal through this tumultuous period, with hopes of restoring order and steering the nation towards a more transparent and accountable governance structure.