South Sudan’s government confirmed that President Salva Kiir has recused himself from being the patron to the national dialogue, a controversial bid to end the ongoing civil war in the world’s youngest nation.

In December last year, Kiir said he would be overseeing the dialogue himself, a decision which drawn criticism from observers and opposition factions. Kiir also refused to include his arch-rival Riek Machar from the process when he swore in the 92-member steering committee last month.

Speaking to reporters after an extra-ordinary cabinet meeting on Wednesday, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed that Kiir is no longer running the national dialogue.

“As announced by the co-chair of the national dialogue steering committee recently, H.E the president has relinquished his patronage over the steering committee,” said Makuei.

“The national dialogue and the steering committee will be under the co-chairs, so they are the ones who will manage the dialogue process,” he said.

Last week, dialogue co-chairman Angelo Beda said President Kiir relinquished his position as patron, and the dialogue process is now in the hands of the people of South Sudan.