Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel on Friday appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, making her the first woman to lead the Himalayan nation, following violent protests that toppled the previous government.
Karki, who earned popularity as Nepal’s only female chief justice during 2016–17, was scheduled to be sworn in later in the day, presidential spokesman Kiran Pokhrel announced.
The appointment comes after a week of unrest sparked by a social media ban that quickly escalated into deadly clashes. Tens of thousands of protesters stormed and set fire to parliament, the presidential residence and private businesses, while also assaulting politicians. Police opened fire, and at least 51 people were killed.
The crisis forced the resignation of the prime minister earlier this week. The army took control of Kathmandu on Tuesday night and began talks with protest leaders, political representatives and the presidency on forming an interim government.