The prominent opposition leader, Dr. lam Akol, has resigned from all his leadership responsibilities; in his political party and in the Transitional Government of National Unity.

Dr. Lam was the Chairman of the Democratic Change Party, and the National Political Parties’ Alliance.

He was also an elected representative of the political parties’ alliance to the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, and the Minister of Agriculture in the Transitional Government of National Unity.

Dr. Lam Akol was reportedly in Khartoum during the recent clashes between the SPLA and the Opposition forces in Juba. He has not returned since then.

Yesterday, he tendered his resignation, relinquishing all his leadership roles.

He explained to a media briefing in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, why he is resigning:

“The new leadership will continue in the National Alliance, it is up to them to decide what to do next; it is not my issue anymore,” he said, “because what is a peace agreement? A peace agreement is provisions and implementation. The provisions, as I have just mentioned, are no longer being respected.”

He maintained that, “I don’t see any reason I should continue as a minister, when I went there to implement the peace agreement, then in all conscience, I must be out of that equation.”

The National Alliance in Juba yesterday confirmed Dr. Lam’s resignation.

The leader of the National Alliance in Juba, Kornilo Kon told the media that the party members accepted his resignation and immediately appointed a new leader.

Mr. Kon said efforts are now underway to nominate someone from the alliance to replace Dr. Lam as the Agriculture Minister in the Transitional Government.

Contributing writer: Michael Minnassie