Maslahaa

Maslahaa is a powerful and heartbreaking nonfiction novel about how silence, disguised as “peace,” can destroy lives. Set in a traditional Gambian community, it follows a young schoolgirl whose childhood is stolen through abuse by someone connected to her family. Instead of justice, the crime is buried under “maslaha”—a cultural practice often used to protect reputations, avoid conflict, and silence victims. Forced out of school, left to suffer severe childbirth complications, and abandoned by society, the girl’s story ends in a devastating decision—a chilling reminder of the consequences of choosing silence over truth. Beyond her story, *Maslaha* confronts wider social issues, including child abuse, the exclusion of persons with disabilities, representation of the Christian minority, and the need for stronger collaboration between government and civil society. It also calls on NGOs to unite their voices and expand their outreach. At its heart, Maslaha is a bold call for accountability, compassion, and courage, reminding us that **true peace can never be built on the suffering of the innocent.