South Sudan government has delayed the release of the imprisoned South African adviser to opposition leader Riek Machar and James Gatdet Dak, a top official said.

Speaking during the peace celebrations Juba on Wednesday, President Salva Kiir said that rebel spokesman James Gatdet and South African ex-colonel and adviser to Riek Machar, William Endley would be freed on Thursday in a goodwill gesture.

The two men were sentenced to death by a court in Juba in January.

“The release of James Gatdet and Endley has been delayed because it is a public holiday in the country. They will be released on Friday morning, “South Sudan’s Interior Minister, Michael Chiangjiek told Radio Tamazuj this afternoon.

The minister said security personnel maintained security in the capital Juba, as thousands thronged Dr. John Garang Mausoleum on Wednesday to celebrate the revitalized peace agreement.

“Everything went well and the peace celebration was good …The security situation in Juba is very good,” he said.