KATHMANDU : After nearly four years of deep division, the two rival factions of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) formally reconciled on Sunday, announcing a long-awaited reunification in the presence of Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

The moment marked a dramatic end to a prolonged dispute that had split Nepalis abroad into competing camps and pushed the organization into legal and institutional turmoil.

In a joint statement issued after the signing the unity deal, NRNA leaders described the day as “a historic breakthrough,” declaring that they had finally managed to close “a painful transitional chapter” that began in 2020.

The unity pact was signed by both presidents Dr. Badri KC and Mahesh Kumar Shrestha—who led the two parallel committees formed during the split.

They inked the agreement at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

“We stand here today with one mind, one spirit and a shared purpose. Our pledge to strengthen and unite the NRNA is just as firm today as it was before the differences emerged,” the joint statement said.

Founded in 2003 with the guiding principle “For Nepalis, By Nepalis,” the NRNA was created to connect the global Nepali diaspora and channel their skills, knowledge and investment back into Nepal’s social and economic development. At its peak, the organization had expanded its network to 90 countries and become a trusted platform for migrant Nepalis.

That unity broke down in 2021, when allegations of irregularities in the delegate-selection process for the 10th Global Convention sparked a crisis. Leadership failed to contain the fallout, the NRNA split into two groups and the dispute escalated all the way to the Supreme Court. For years, Nepalis abroad were forced to choose between two bodies claiming to be the legitimate NRNA.

Both sides have now committed to rebuilding the association as a unified, non-political, autonomous, and philanthropic institution.

The deal outlines that implementation will occur under a shared leadership model: the committee elected from the 11th Global Convention led by Dr. Badri KC will coexist with the unity convention committee led by Mahesh Kumar Shrestha until the next convention is held.

The two teams have also agreed to hold the 12th Global Convention within six months, form an 11-member steering committee made up of individuals who will not contest future elections, and overhaul the membership registration system to ensure fairness and transparency.

A neutral system-management committee will be created to oversee the reforms.

Both sides have agreed to withdraw or settle all court cases regarding NRNA’s official recognition, while all financial matters from both factions will be audited by an independent third party to restore trust.

The agreement signed under the oversight of the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be archived with the ministry and later tabled for approval at the upcoming 12th Global Convention.