The United States has condemned a legislative measure to extend South Sudan government’s term in office and said in a statement it remains skeptical that the country’s political leaders can oversee a peaceful and timely transition to democracy.

“A narrow agreement between elites will not solve the problems plaguing South Sudan,” the White House Press Secretary said in a statement.

“In fact, such an agreement may sow the seeds of another cycle of conflict. Therefore, the United States condemns the legislative measure to extend unilaterally the government’s term in office.”