Sushila Karki has officially taken office as Nepal’s new Prime Minister following a wave of protests that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli. Karki, the first woman to hold the position, was sworn in during a ceremony on March 15, 2024, at the presidential residence in Kathmandu. Her appointment comes in the wake of violent demonstrations that have left at least 51 people dead, including protesters and police officers.
Karki’s rise to leadership is rooted in her reputation for integrity and her commitment to judicial independence. Previously, she served as the chief justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, where she was known for her strong stance against corruption and her advocacy for transparency. During her tenure, Karki faced significant political pressure but remained steadfast in her principles, earning respect from various quarters, including the youth movement that has characterized recent protests.
Background of the Protests
The protests erupted earlier this week, leading to chaos in Kathmandu and prompting the army to assume control of the capital. The unrest was catalyzed by widespread discontent over government corruption and the perceived inability of the previous administration to address the needs of the citizens. Following the resignation of Oli, Karki emerged as a leading candidate among the so-called “Gen Z” representatives, who have been vocal in their demand for change.
In a statement to local media, Karki expressed her gratitude for the support she received from the youth protesters, stating that they “believe in me” to lead for a “short time for the purpose of doing elections.” Anil Kumar Sinha, a former Supreme Court justice who has worked alongside Karki, described her as a credible choice to lead the interim government.
Karki’s Judicial Legacy
Sushila Karki’s judicial career has been marked by several significant milestones. Born in 1952 in Biratnagar, she pursued her education in political science in India and law in Kathmandu. After beginning her legal career in 1979, she quickly became known for taking on challenging cases, often involving issues of corruption and injustice.
Her tenure as chief justice, from 2016 to 2017, was particularly notable for its challenges to gender stereotypes in a male-dominated legal landscape. One of her landmark decisions included the jailing of a serving government minister for corruption in 2012, a groundbreaking case at the time. Her commitment to justice was further exemplified in 2017 when the Supreme Court sentenced three soldiers to 20 years in prison for the murder of a teenage girl—one of the few convictions for war crimes in Nepal.
Karki’s leadership will be critical as the country seeks to stabilize following the recent unrest. The United Nations previously described attempts to impeach her during her time as chief justice as politically motivated, highlighting the challenges she faced from various political factions.
As Karki embarks on her new role, she aims to address the pressing issues of governance and corruption that have plagued the nation. In a speech earlier this year, she called on the youth to take a stand against corruption, urging them to “speak up, take the lead and stand in elections.”
With her extensive legal background and strong commitment to justice, Sushila Karki represents a significant shift in Nepal’s political landscape. Her leadership will be closely monitored both domestically and internationally as the country navigates this period of transformation.
