South Sudan parliament extends president's term until 2021

FILE PHOTO: South Sudan President Salva Kiir attends talks in Khartoum on an end to his country's civil war, June 25, 2018. REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah

JUBA (Reuters) - South Sudan's parliament voted on Thursday to extend President Salva Kiir's mandate until 2021 in a move likely to undermine peace talks as opposition groups have said the change would be illegal.

The vote will bolster the government team at peace talks with rebel groups in Khartoum, Sudan, said Paul Youani Bonju, chairman of parliament's information committee. The extension also applies to vice presidents, state lawmakers and governors.