The appointment came three days after leaders of the former southern rebel group that Garang headed, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), met at New Site in southern Sudan and named Kiir as their new leader.

Until then, Kiir was SPLM deputy chairman and chief of general staff of its armed wing, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA).

The Sudanese press had reported that the ceremony would take place on Sunday, but Badri said that was unlikely. He added, however, that there was only a "slim possibility" it could be held on Monday.