Zanzibar authorities are enforcing a ban on men wearing their hair in braided styles, telling the BBC it flouts the law and local traditions and threatens people's morals.
"We find it dangerous to our future generations", says Zanzibar’s Culture Executive Secretary Omar Adam. "This is one form of immorality in Zanzibar, it is a culture which is adopted from outside Zanzibar."
He has dismissed concerns that the move was targeting the LGBTQ community in the islands, where same-sex relationships are illegal.
The law against men braiding their hair is not new - it dates back to 2015 - but the authorities have only now started enforcing it.
Any man who enters or lives in Zanzibar with braided hair faces fines of over $400 or six months imprisonment - or both.
Despite Zanzibar being among top tourist destinations, the authorities say the enforcement will apply equally to visitors.
Two months ago, the Zanzibar government banned 16 book titles and the use of rainbow colours in schools claiming that they advocated for LGBTQ rights.
Latest Stories
-
AI can dis-inform; media must be cautious in its usage during election – Caroline Anipah
58 mins -
Brazil floods drive thousands from their homes
20 mins -
The media must provide accurate and unbiased information about candidates – Suzanne Nti
29 mins -
Election 2024: Let’s vote on values, not party lines – Dr Lawrence Tetteh
53 mins -
Couple donate modern facilities to Nkonya SHS
1 hour -
Hundreds killed in Afghanistan flash flooding
1 hour -
Former Fiji PM Frank Bainimarama jailed for a year
1 hour -
US says Israel may have breached international law with American weapons in Gaza
1 hour -
Ukraine: Hundreds flee Kharkiv area after Russian cross-border attack
1 hour -
New girls’ washroom facility for Nkonya SHS ready for use
1 hour -
5 arrested, remanded over alleged murder of two police officers
1 hour -
Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo appointed Managing Director of NIB
1 hour -
CEO of Agblor Lodge commended for coastal protection efforts
2 hours -
Complicated media landscape changes the dynamics of election coverage – Gyan-Apenteng
2 hours -
2024 polls: We need to deal with the political capture of the media landscape – Suzanne Nti
2 hours