September 12, 2014-The Sudan Tribune reports that the coalition of South Sudanese political parties have dismissed Lam Akol from taking part in the IGAD-led peace talks in Addis Ababa. Akol’s supporters have said that it is alloy by the government to intimidate the country’s main political party. At a press conference, Martin Elias Lomoro, chairman of the South Sudan Democratic Front (SSDF) said that, “We have officially dismissed Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin from representation of the political parties to the peace talks and as head of political parties to Addis.”

Lomoro, South Sudan’s Minister for Cabinet Affairs, added that, “We should clarify that as we sit here, the chairman of the political parties’ leadership is the President of the Republic.

Andrew Okony Ayom, the SPLM-DC leader in parliament has said that Lam Akol’s dismissal is illegal and a trick by the government to intimidate opposition.

IGAD-led talks are scheduled to begin on September 13 after being postponed last month. President Kiir is expected to appoint another leader of the parties.