Taban Deng Gai, SPLM-IO Chief Negotiator in a 2014 press conference in Addis Ababa

The SPLM in opposition has dismissed reports that its former Chief Negotiator Taban Deng Gai has quit from the political group.

Media reports stated last week that Mr Deng had resigned from the SPLM in Opposition and also relinquished his membership in the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission.

Mr Deng fled along with Dr Riek Machar after the outbreak of the conflict in 2013.

He was the Chief Negotiator for the SPLM in Opposition during the negotiations on resolution of the conflict in South Sudan mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.

Mr Deng has been appointed the Minister of Mining in the Transitional Government of National Unity.

A Spokesperson of the SPLM in Opposition, William Ezekiel says Deng has only resigned from his role of the Chief Negotiator because he needs more time to establish his ministry.

“The time has come for him to give up his assignment as chief negotiator, to focus on a new mandate as the minister of mining,” Mr Ezekiel said.

Mr. Ezekiel said the resignation of Taban Deng Gai will not affect the implementation of the peace agreement.

Mr Deng’s replacement is yet to be named.