A South Sudanese rights entity on Monday called on the government to release political commentator Peter Biar Ajak and other prisoners ahead of the peace celebration in Juba on Wednesday.

In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj, the Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ) said human rights activists could celebrate peace if Peter Biar is released by the government.

"As his colleague at Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ), which is a member of South Sudan Young Leaders Forum (SSYLF), we see no reason to celebrate for if our colleague is still behind bars at National Security detention facilities, “said Tito Anthony, the Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ).

Biar, who founded the advocacy group South Sudan Young Leaders Forum, was arrested on July 28 by National Security officials at Juba Airport while on his way to Aweil town.

Tito further called for the immediate release of the former spokesperson of opposition leader Riek Machar James Gatdet Dak, who was sentenced to death in the capital Juba in February 2018.

James Gatdet was deported to Juba by Kenyan authorities in November 2016.

The activist called on the South Sudanese leaders to tour the country to disseminate peace messages.