Nepal's newly-appointed interim prime minister, Sushila Karki, has announced her commitment to stepping down from her role within six months. Karki, who made history as Nepal's first woman to lead the country, was compelled to accept the position following public outcry and unrest that resulted in over 70 fatalities during anti-corruption protests.
In her first public statement since assuming office, Karki emphasized that she never sought the position. She plans to hand over power to a new government after the elections scheduled for March 5 next year. Commenting on the current state of affairs, she expressed the need for a government aligned with the demands of the younger generation advocating for an end to corruption and improved governance.
The protests, ignited by a ban on social media platforms in early September, escalated into violence that saw the vandalism of political properties and extensive destruction in Kathmandu. Amidst these upheavals, Karki reiterated her shock at the violence and pledged to work towards reconciliation and restoring order.
A former Supreme Court chief justice known for her integrity, Karki now faces immense challenges, including rebuilding key infrastructure damaged during the unrest and addressing widespread fears about the future of Nepal's young democracy amidst the public's calls for change.
