Former US President George W Bush has encouraged South Sudanese youth in America to play a positive role in the development of South Sudan.

President Bush says South Sudanese living abroad should use their influence to promote peace and reconciliation in their homeland.

He says South Sudan is still a fragile nation, and those living abroad should not forget to contribute towards its stability.

President Bush met about 70 ‘Lost boys and girls’ in his Presidential Library and Museum in Texas last week.

“Some of you are going to do better than others economically and as that happens, I hope that you realize that you can take what you have learned and help South Sudan,” he stated.

President George W Bush also urged South Sudanese not to depend entirely on their government, but contribute individually to the prosperity of the country.

President Bush says the U.S. should stay engaged with South Sudan as it builds a path to democracy.

In 2001, while in power, President George W. Bush oversaw the resettlement of thousands of South Sudanese youth from Kakuma Refugee Camp, northern Kenya, to the United States.

He also helped in the settlement of the 21 year-civil war in Sudan through the signing of a peace deal, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, between the SPLM/SPLA and the Sudanese government in 2005.