Sher Bahadur Deuba returns to Nepal amid legal and party disputes

Former Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has returned to Kathmandu after spending five months abroad for medical treatment. Deuba, 80, had been receiving care in Singapore and Hong Kong following injuries sustained during violent Gen-Z protests in September 2025.

His return coincides with significant political and legal challenges. Deuba is facing a money-laundering investigation, with police having issued arrest warrants for him and his wife, former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. Politically, the Nepali Congress is embroiled in an internal leadership dispute. While Deuba has called for dialogue and consensus to resolve the party's rift, other leaders, including Sujata Koirala, have urged him to accept the leadership of Gagan Kumar Thapa to ensure party unity.

Upon his arrival, Deuba addressed supporters, stating he returned to serve the nation with humility rather than to seek power. He is expected to participate in a national gathering of the Nepali Congress non-establishment faction to address the ongoing intra-party tensions.