The President of Nepal, along with several cabinet members, has reportedly fled to undisclosed locations as youth protests intensify.
On Thursday, hundreds flocked to Kathmandu’s main airport, eager to leave the country following violent demonstrations that led to the government’s downfall.
According to The Associated Press, confusion arose over the leadership of the Himalayan nation as the capital saw a surge of people trying to secure flights after the government was overrun.
In Kathmandu, residents hurried to stock up on essential food items like rice, vegetables, and meat early Thursday, taking advantage of a brief curfew lift by the army.
Armed soldiers patrolled the streets, checking vehicles and providing assistance.
The army took control of the capital on Tuesday night after two days of massive protests that resulted in the presidential residence and government buildings being set ablaze, prompting the prime minister to resign and flee.
Many attempted to leave the country after the airport reopened late Wednesday, with international flights resuming on Thursday.
“It was a very challenging time for us. We struggled just to reach the airport and return to the hotel while hoping for flights, but I finally secured a seat and will be flying out of Nepal,” said Raj Kumar Bika, a chicken farmer aiming to reach New Delhi for business.
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It remains uncertain who will assume control of the government as the search for an interim leader continues.
Following the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli on Tuesday, the ceremonial President Ram Chandra Poudel requested him to lead a transitional government until a new one could be established. However, Oli fled from his official residence, and his current location is unknown.
Residents of the capital are left questioning who is in charge. “I believe there should be an election soon, and new leaders capable of serving the country should be elected,” said shop owner Sanu Bohara. “What we need now is peace. There shouldn’t have been so much destruction, but that’s already happened.”
Anup Keshar Thapa, a retired government official observing the burned official residences of ministers, expressed uncertainty about who would lead the country and whether people would follow them. “If the protests had been more organized, it would have been clear who was in charge,” he noted.
Protest leaders met with military officials at army headquarters in Kathmandu on Wednesday to discuss a potential transitional leader.
Rehan Raj Dangal, a spokesperson for the protesters, indicated that his group suggested Sushila Karki, a well-respected former chief justice, as a candidate to head an interim government.
Karki is notable for being the only woman to serve as chief justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, though some protesters opposed her appointment.
Demonstrations involving thousands of protesters were ongoing.
