The ongoing uprising in Nepal is a clear warning to political leaders across the world, especially in Africa and Nigeria who think they can continue looting public wealth, mocking the people, and keeping them in abject poverty without consequences.
As the Nigerian proverb wisely says: “One day, one day, monkey go go market, e no go return.” This proverb perfectly describes the fate awaiting hardened, corrupt politicians and their collaborators who believe the people will remain silent forever.
Generation Z, those between the ages of 13 to 28, born between 1997 and 2012 have shown once again that they are a force to reckon with from Tunisia, Yemen, Syria, Libya, Lebanon, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Bahrain, Egypt, to Bangladesh and now Nepal, young people are revolting against oppressive governments. The lesson is simple: when leaders push the people to the wall, especially the youths who have nothing to lose, resistance becomes inevitable.
In Nepal, the story symbolises that of Nigeria and many African nations. The government was corrupt. Politicians looted shamelessly. Their children mocked the masses on social media. Meanwhile, the people were hungry, angry, and hopeless.
It all began with online conversations. Gen Z youths, empowered by social media, started exposing their leaders and demanding change. In desperation, the government banned social media. But rather than silence them, it pushed these youths onto the streets in mass protests.
At first, the demonstrations were peaceful. Then, as always, the government sent in the police. Shots were fired. Innocent Gen Z protesters were killed and wounded just like Nigeria’s government killed unarmed youths at the Lekki Toll Gate during the #EndSARS protests of 2020.
That singular act of bloodshed radicalised the movement. The peaceful protests turned into full-blown resistance. Enraged youths stormed politicians’ homes, burned them down, seized government broadcasting stations, set fire to parliament, and chased corrupt leaders into hiding. The Prime Minister of Nepal has since resigned as the crisis continues to escalate.
The lesson here is loud and clear: if the government had not banned social media, if the police had not murdered innocent protesters, Nepal would not be burning today.
This uprising is proof that politicians only have the power given to them by the people and once the people withdraw that power, the tables turn. The masses are always greater in number, and no leader can survive when the people unite against oppression.
Nigeria, Africa, and other corrupt nations should pay close attention. The signs are there. The hunger is real. The anger is growing. The poverty is deepening. When the oppressed rise, no amount of police bullets, propaganda, or stolen wealth will save the corrupt elite.
Once again, I remind our leaders: One day, one day, monkey
go go market, e no go return.
The Pen Pusher,
Isaac Obasi