Jamiat-e- Islami Party of Afghanistan on Monday issued a press statement condemning government’s decision to replace the Samangan governor, Abdul Karim Khudam.

The party said Jamiat-e-Islami party had been a key party during the formation of the National Unity Government (NUG) and that the dismissal of the governor was unjustified, one-sided and in contravention of the political agreement forged at the time of the NUGs establishment. 

The party meanwhile called on political parties, the Ulema Council and the international community to help end such action by the presidential palace. The party said in the statement such moves add to the crisis.  

According to Jamiat’s statement, Khudam was appointed as the Samangan governor based on the NUG agreement and his dismissal cannot be justified as there have been no complaints against him. 

On Sunday, Khudam also said government does not have the authority to fire him and that he refuses to accept the decision. Khudam’s deputy, Dr Zia, was also dismissed.

Addressing a press conference in the provincial capital Aibak, Khudam described the move as a conspiracy against him.

“They have acted against me with injustice and against the commitments they made and I strongly condemn this decision,” said Khudam.

“Myself and my deputy Dr. Zia will continue our work until Jamiat leaders announce their decision. The central government does not have the authority to remove both of us, the decision has been one-sided,” he said.

Khudam’s dismissal comes just two months after Ghani ousted another Jamiat governor, Balkh’s Atta Mohammad Noor.

Noor has also refused to step down and is adamant that any decision about his removal is a Jamiat decision and not government’s.

This latest move is another blow to relations between Jamiat and government – following Noor’s ousting late last year.

After weeks of discussions between government and Jamiat, the Noor situation has remained unresolved.

Ghani on Saturday appointed new governors for Laghman, Logar, Maidan Wardak, Samangan and Kunduz provinces.

An IDLG statement said the five governors were appointed based on recommendations of the directorate.

Abdul Jabbar Naeemi was appointed as governor for northern Kunduz province, Asif Nang, who previously served as Farah governor, has been appointed as the governor of eastern Laghman province.

Anwar Khan Ishaqzai has been appointed as governor for central Logar province, Dr. Shajehan for central Maidan Wardak province and Abdul Latif Ibrahimi for northern Samangan province, the statement said.

No details were given as to why the former governors were ousted.