The interim Government of Nepal under Prime Minister Sushila Karki has recalled 11 ambassadors from various countries, including the United States, most of whom had been serving for less than a year. This decision has ignited political and public backlash, with legal experts arguing it is a violation of Nepal’s Constitution and a serious threat to the integrity of the nation’s foreign policy.
Ambassadors in Nepal are appointed through a formal process: recommendation by the Council of Ministers, endorsement by the Parliamentary Hearing Committee, and final approval by the President of Nepal. Once appointed, ambassadors are expected to serve the national interest—not political parties.
However, the Karki administration’s decision to recall nearly a dozen diplomats in one stroke reflects a continuation of a dangerous political trend that prioritizes partisan loyalty over institutional stability and meritocracy. It undermines the very foundation of Nepal’s professional diplomatic service and damages the nation’s international credibility.
Some legal experts strongly disagree with this decision, calling it “arbitrary, unconstitutional, and politically motivated.”The Constitution of Nepal (2015) guarantees that foreign service appointments and recalls must be guided by professional necessity, not party politics. Recalling ambassadors simply because they were appointed by a previous government is a misuse of executive authority and a breach of constitutional norms.
The Supreme Court of Nepal has the moral and constitutional duty to intervene immediately to prevent the erosion of the rule of law. Such politically driven decisions jeopardize the independence of public institutions and violate the spirit of balanced governance envisioned by the Constitution.
The sudden removal of ambassadors destabilizes Nepal’s relations with host countries. Each ambassador invests months in building trust and advancing Nepal’s strategic interests. This mass recall has left several embassies in diplomatic limbo.
Frequent political interference sends a message of instability to the global community. Nepal risks being perceived as unreliable, weakening its position in diplomatic and economic negotiations.
The foreign service—already struggling with underfunding and a lack of morale—now faces a deeper crisis. Qualified diplomats may lose motivation, as loyalty to political factions appears to be more valuable than service to the nation.
Ambassadors are central to promoting trade, investment, and development cooperation. Their abrupt removal disrupts negotiations and halts progress on key bilateral projects, potentially costing Nepal millions in foreign assistance and investment opportunities.
Political leaders, civil society, and former diplomats have opposed the Karki government’s move. Opposition leaders have termed it “a misuse of power” and called for the immediate reversal of the decision. However, the recall of ambassadors had occurred previously under other Prime Ministers as well.
Recalled ambassadors have expressed frustration, pointing out that they were serving the nation—not a political party—and were abruptly removed without cause or consultation.This act of mass recall is not just poor governance—it is a constitutional crisis in the making.
The Supreme Court must urgently review the government’s decision, ensuring that future ambassadorial changes follow transparent and lawful procedures. Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s administration should withdraw the recall decision immediately to prevent further diplomatic embarrassment and restore faith in Nepal’s constitutional system.
If the government fails to reverse this decision, it risks triggering a constitutional confrontation between the executive and the judiciary, further deepening political instability and isolating Nepal internationally. Nepal’s diplomacy should never be a playground for political experiments.
The recall of 11 ambassadors under Sushila Karki’s leadership represents a dangerous deviation from constitutional principles, professional integrity, and national interest. For the sake of Nepal’s democratic credibility and global standing, this unconstitutional decision must be condemned, corrected, and reversed without delay.
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Lok Tiwari
View More PostsLok Tiwari is a Maryland-based political commentator and entrepreneur with over 35 years of professional experience. He is also a prominent figure in the Nepali diaspora community, having served as a Senior Vice President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) USA.
