The SPLM-DC denied claims that authorities seized party leader Lam Akol’s passport at Juba Airport.

In a press statement sent to El Maugif newspaper on Sunday, party spokesperson Mahjoub Biel said such rumors are meant to sow division and incite political turmoil.

"The SPLM-DC leader is here in Juba and is carrying out his duties normally,” Biel was quoted as saying.

Over the weekend, social media reported that national security agents blocked Lam from leaving South Sudan to participate in the Addis Ababa peace talks as the leader of political parties.

Other sources alleged that Lam has evacuated a hotel room where he was living, but Biel rejected those claims too.