Audio By Carbonatix
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
-
Parliamentary committee commends GIPA’s investment drive, backs key reforms
2 minutes -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses AKSA energy deal, legal vacation and GoldBod losses
23 minutes -
Jason Arday: 10 things you may not know about British-born Ghanaian former Cambridge professor found dead at 41
3 hours -
KNUST partners with government to manufacture locally-made agricultural machines and smart traffic lights
3 hours -
Government to add constitutional referendum to 2027 District Assembly elections
4 hours -
Ambassador Nancy Sam meets South Africa’s Thanda to strengthen Africa tourism collaboration
4 hours -
Government disburses GH¢23.1 billion to clear road contractors’ arrears – Roads Minister
4 hours -
NPP Ashanti elections: 1,020 delegates to choose 11 regional executives
5 hours -
Galamsey: ‘Challenge is prosecution, not arrest’ — Lands Minister
6 hours -
Elliot Kabutey Tei outlines strategic blueprint to drive NPP victory in Tema East
7 hours -
MTN to build 80 new sites across the five regions of the north as part of a $1.1bn investment
7 hours -
The Polygamist’s creator says women see themselves reflected in her Netflix hit
8 hours -
UEW Hospital suspends OPD services over GAUA strike
8 hours -
Muzic Mensah selected for Boomplay’s inaugural ‘NEXT WAVE’ Programme
9 hours -
Prime Insight to tackle legal vacation controversy and $1million AKSA bribery case
9 hours