01/09/2024
Public Clarification on the Case Between Bol Mel and Larson Angok as I promised.
Dear South Sudanese Community, Particularly Northern Bhare El Ghazal State, and Everyone Concerned,
I am writing as Thomas Hou Garang to provide a neutral clarification on the ongoing misunderstanding between Mr. Bol Mel and Mr. Larson Angok. It is important to set the record straight and ensure that the public understands the facts surrounding this situation, especially after Larson Angok took to his Facebook account suggesting that either Bol Mel should take him to court or he would do the same against Bol Mel.
The situation stems from Larson Angok’s 16th-anniversary celebration in the music industry on 16 Jane 2024, where he invited Mr. Bol Mel and included his name on the event's poster after consulting him. Although Mr. Bol Mel was invited, he declined to attend, stating he would not be available on that day. Following the celebration, Mr. Bol Mel expressed interest in meeting with Larson Angok for further discussions, a meeting that Larson eagerly awaited.
In the meeting, Larson Angok expressed his gratitude to Mr. Bol Mel for the support he has provided him over the years in his musical career. Larson also shared his plans to diversify his ventures by establishing a new business, named the Larson Angok Foundation, separate from his music endeavors. Mr. Bol Mel promised Larson that he would assist him financially through the foundation’s account. Encouraged by this promise, Larson registered his business and left the meeting with high hopes for future support.
Days later, Mr. Akol Mawien Athian, Chairman of the Aweil Graduates Association and the designer of the event’s certificates, approached Larson Angok. He requested to accompany Larson when visiting Mr. Bol Mel, with the hope of securing financial assistance for students at the University of Juba who were facing financial challenges in pursuing their Master’s degrees. Larson, recognizing the importance of this cause, agreed to help, despite concerns about gaining access to Mr. Bol Mel due to his tight security.
When they attempted to meet Mr. Bol Mel, they were initially successful, and Bol Mel requested them to return with the students’ admissions for further support. Larson expressed his gratitude publicly after this positive interaction, expecting that their cooperation would continue smoothly.
However, when Larson and Akol returned as instructed, they were denied access by Mr. Bol Mel’s security, leading to confusion. This resulted in a misunderstanding where Mr. Akol and the students believed that Larson might have privately engaged with Mr. Bol Mel to secure assistance without their knowledge, leading to distrust. To address this and remind Mr. Bol Mel of his commitments, Larson made a Facebook post mentioning both Mr. Bol Mel and Mr. Akol.
Additionally, when the South Sudan basketball team won a match in the Paris Olympics, Larson Angok publicly praised the team on Facebook, urging the government to motivate the players financially instead of prioritizing funds for unprogressive road constructions allegedly linked to Mr. Bol Mel. Larson was merely expressing his opinion as a concerned citizen.
Regrettably, Larson’s social media posts were misinterpreted by Mr. Bol Mel’s younger brother, who wrongly reported to Bol Mel that Larson was planning to compose songs attacking him. This misinformation caused tensions to escalate, resulting in Larson being confined to his house for nearly a month under security watch, which has deeply affected his personal and family life.
Recently, Larson took to his Facebook account suggesting legal action, calling on Mr. Bol Mel to either take him to court or stating his intent to take Mr. Bol Mel to court. This statement is Larson’s way of seeking justice and resolution, feeling that his freedom and reputation have been unfairly compromised based on misinformation.
As an observer and concerned member of the community, I urge both parties to resolve this matter amicably. The core issue here is a breakdown in communication and a misunderstanding that has been fueled by incorrect information. Legal battles may not serve the best interests of either party or the broader community.
I encourage Mr. Bol Mel and Larson Angok to meet directly, without intermediaries or security barriers, to clarify their positions, discuss the facts, and seek a peaceful resolution. It is clear that this conflict is not about malice but rather a series of misunderstandings that can be corrected through dialogue.
Let us hope that wisdom and understanding will prevail, allowing both parties to move forward without further conflict. Our community benefits most when we come together to resolve our differences respectfully and collaboratively.
The writer is Northern Bhare El Ghazal concerned son Who always standing on peaceful side.
Thanks you so much for your attention.
Sincerely
Thomas Hou Garang