Prachanda accuses PM Oli of pushing for controversial SPP agreement

Kathmandu, November 10 — Former Prime Minister and Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', has accused the government led by KP Oli of advancing the State Partnership Program (SPP) agreement.

Speaking at a press conference organized by the Press Centre Nepal, a journalists' organization close to the Maoist party, in Makwanpur on Sunday, Prachanda leveled serious allegations against the Oli government.

"Another serious issue is that the current Prime Minister had already given theoretical agreement on the SPP in the past, as reported by U.S. media. This is a matter of great concern. Is this government bargaining the nation’s sovereignty to save its seat? Is it going to harm the nation? The theoretical agreement is a serious issue. Will it lead to a formal agreement?" Prachanda remarked.

The U.S. has signed SPP agreements with various countries to establish military cooperation. Since the SPP is tied to the U.S.'s security policy, there has been widespread opposition to the agreement from various political parties, intellectuals, civil society, and citizens at the national level, who argue that Nepal should not proceed with the SPP agreement.

Previously, in 2022, there was widespread opposition to the approval of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement, a U.S. aid project.