From protest to radicalisation: What Nepal’s Gen Z unrest teaches us

Young people across the world are standing up, but some are being pulled into dangerous extremes. From deadly youth-led protests in Nepal to shocking acts of political violence in the United States, recent events show how quickly activism can slip into radicalisation when anger, online misinformation and hopelessness collide.Nepal’s Gen Z uprisingIn September 2025, thousands of young Nepalese took to the streets after their government temporarily banned social media and introduced strict new controls on online speech. Many protesters saw it as an attack on their freedom and a way to silence criticism of corruption and unemployment. The protests quickly turned deadly.According to The Kathmandu Post, at least 19 people were killed and hundreds injured in clashes with police, who fired live ammunition into the crowds. Police records later confirmed the use of military-grade rifles and more than 2 600 rounds of ammunition.The government eventually lifted the ban and promised an inquiry, but for many young people, trust had already been broken. Student activist Pratima Koirala, 22, told BBC Nepali: “We just wanted our voices heard, not bullets.”Nepal’s uprising highlights how fast digital activism can ignite real-world violence when frustration, poor communication and government overreaction collide.The dark side of online activismSocial media connects youth, but it also spreads radical ideas faster than ever.In 2024, American graduate Luigi Mangione was arrested for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Investigations revealed Mangione had shared extremist writings online and even praised terrorist Ted Kaczynski’s manifesto on Goodreads.Mangione’s case shows how radical ideas can spread quietly through online spaces, where young people reinforce each other’s anger instead of finding solutions. Digital platforms that start as spaces for change can quickly become places where violence feels justified.When words turn deadlyIn September 2025, US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at a university event in Utah. Police say 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the shooter, had posted anti-Kirk messages online and left a note saying he was “tired of the hate.”The tragedy reignited debates about political polarisation, free speech and the role of online communities in fuelling hatred.Lessons for Namibia’s youthNamibian youth are not immune to these global patterns. Many share the same frustrations: unemployment, inequality and the feeling that leaders are not listening. But as journalist Rupesh Karki from Nepal Press warns: “When anger replaces dialogue, democracy begins to die.”Healthy activism challenges power through ideas, not destruction. Whether protesting, posting or leading, remember that change is a marathon, not a riot.Experts recommend:&bull; Digital literacy – learning to spot manipulation and fake news.&bull; Peaceful organising – using creativity, not chaos, to make a point.&bull; Dialogue and accountability – demanding change without dehumanising others.As Namibian youth continue to raise their voices on issues from unemployment to climate change, the story from Nepal serves as both a warning and a call: Don’t let righteous anger turn into rage. Stay informed. Stay peaceful. Stay powerful.

From protest to radicalisation: What Nepal’s Gen Z unrest teaches us

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Republikein 2026-01-12

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From protest to radicalisation: What Nepal’s Gen Z unrest teaches us

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