The National Legislative Assembly Gate - courtesy

Nearly a dozen lawmakers from the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) have been removed from the Transitional National Legislative Assembly in a move the party has criticized as a violation of the peace agreement.

The changes, announced earlier this month, have triggered political row within the unity government.

According to media reports, President Salva Kiir on Jan. 7 removed Joseph Malwal Dong, Kuong Dak Wie and Sandra Bona Malwal from parliament. Others affected include Wieu Kun Kuiyang, Stephen Bol Ley and Hassan Zaid Kinnga. Also removed were Zainab Khamis Lorumu, Gatkuoth Wat Joar, Pech Nyawele Bol, Zandia Julli Madit and Jambiel Maani Jambiel.

In their place, Kiir appointed Elizabeth Kanyang Andrew, Nuer Diang, Buom Tai Gatluak, Zechariah Ater Joseph and Santino Riak Maker. Makuach Teny Youk and Charles Wiyual Yoh were also named among the new members of parliament.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the SPLM-IO faction loyal to the detained and suspended First Vice President Dr Riek Machar. The group says the move violates provisions of the peace deal that allow political parties to nominate their own representatives to the legislature.

The faction further accused the government of replacing the removed lawmakers with loyalists of Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol, who is leading a parallel SPLM-IO faction in Juba after becoming interim leader of the party.