People across Nepal are asking a simple but urgent question: “Where is our president?” Citizens are calling on President Ram Chandra Poudel to address the nation directly.
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As Nepal is caught in the throes of a political crisis, the distraught people of the Himalayan nation are asking a pertinent question, ‘where is our president’.
The citizens are calling on President Ram Chandra Poudel to address the nation after Nepal Army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel spoke about the recent political unrest on Tuesday.
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Speaking to The Statesman from an undisclosed location, the president’s son Chintan Poudel said, “He (the President) is safe and attending necessary meetings. He might join the Gen Z meeting soon but I cannot confirm anything right now. The Army is coordinating the meeting. Rashtrapati Bhavan will provide more updates shortly.”
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Shortly after Chintan Poudel spoke to us, the President released a statement to the public. In his message, he addressed the uncertainty surrounding his silence and assured citizens that he was actively involved in seeking solutions to the crisis.
The country’s youth-led Gen Z movement temporarily suspended their protests on Wednesday, ending two days of violence that left at least 31 people dead and more than 1,000 injured.
The unrest also pressured Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to resign.
After the protests, about 15 representatives of the Gen Z movement met army officials at the Bhadrakali base. The delegates suggested names for a transitional civilian leadership, including former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, former Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar, lawyer Om Prakash Aryal, Dr. Govinda KC, Brigadier General Prem Shahi, and former Chief Election Commissioner Neel Kantha Upreti.
However, President Poudel did not attend the meeting, fueling calls for him to speak directly to the public.
The protests erupted on Tuesday as young Nepalis expressed anger at the actions of the K P Sharma Oli government. Demonstrators set fire to government buildings, offices of major political parties, and the homes and offices of top political leaders, including former prime ministers.
The protesters, mainly teenagers and people in their 20s, criticized the political system for being corrupt and allowing politicians to act without accountability since Nepal became a republic in 2008. The anger was also directed at the lavish lifestyles of the children and relatives of senior politicians.
For now, Nepal waits to see when President Poudel will speak and outline his plans to restore calm and guide the nation through this turbulent political moment.
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