Diyala court halts dismissal of provincial council chair as battle of local political scene continues

DIYALA — Iraq’s Administrative Court issued an injunction on Sunday suspending the Diyala Provincial Council’s decision to dismiss Omar Al-Karwi as chair. The court’s order, signed by Chief Judge Othman Salman Al-Aboudi on Nov. 3, temporarily halts the council’s decision until a final ruling on the case.

The court ruled that the conditions warranted jurisdiction, and thus ordered the immediate suspension of Al-Karwi’s dismissal. Following the ruling, Al-Karwi resumed his duties as council chair.

The dismissal controversy began on Oct. 29, when the Diyala Provincial Council voted to remove Al-Karwi after an emergency interrogation session. Al-Karwi immediately contested the legitimacy of the session, calling it “illegal and unofficial.” He alleged that only nine members attended and that the agenda combined his questioning and dismissal in a single proceeding, describing the move as politically motivated.

On Sunday afternoon, just two hours after the court’s ruling, Al-Karwi arrived at the council building and formally resumed his responsibilities. He issued an official statement affirming the implementation of the court’s injunction and directed the suspension of all administrative and legal actions taken since Oct. 29, 2024. Al-Karwi will continue in his role until the Administrative Court reaches a final decision on the case.

Al-Karwi’s removal represents the latest chapter in a prolonged bitterstruggle for influence within Diyala’s fractured political landscape. Appointed on Aug. 1, Al-Karwi assumed the role of council chairman as a representative of the Sunni Sovereignty Alliance led by Khamis Al-Khanjar. His appointment followed months of political negotiation among various factions within the governorate. Though majority Sunni, the council has an even split of Sunni and Shia members.

Following the council’s dismissal, Salem Al-Tamimi, the council’s vice president, publicly explained the rationale behind the decision, accusing Al-Karwi of monopolizing decisions, disregarding council resolutions, and neglecting issues important to citizens. Al-Tamimi also cited Al-Karwi’s alleged failure to respond to public outcry over local administrative appointments. Subsequently, Al-Tamimi announced an open nomination period for the council presidency.

Two days after the dismissal, the council elected Nizar Al-Lahibi as the new chairman, filling the position amid ongoing political tensions.

The Diyala Provincial Council first convened on Feb. 5, 2024, but was unable to hold an initial session to form the government, facing repeated delays due to political disagreements and competition for the positions of governor and council president.