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
-
Dr. Ibn Kailan Abdul-Hami: Marketing for Entrepreneurs in Ghana
2 hours -
“Mentorship for a Brighter Ghana”: My Mentor, My Pal inspires over 100 students from Asamankese
2 hours -
ASEC hosts Africa Sustainable Energy Dialogue to address energy access crisis
4 hours -
Sporting beat Guimaraes to retain Primeira Liga title
4 hours -
Ibrahim Sulemana scores as Atalanta beat Genoa
4 hours -
Obuasi Area of the Church of Pentecost holds empowerment seminar for BECE candidates
6 hours -
Fisheries Commission to analyse data on effect of closed season artisanal exemption
6 hours -
Crime prevention must be the bedrock of modern policing – Chief of Staff
6 hours -
From Alexander to Mahama: When the pot spoke truth to power
6 hours -
Remove all references to private associations from Constitution – JoyNews’ Kwaku Asante tells Constitutional Review Committee
6 hours -
NMCs role must be expanded to include frequency and spectrum authorisation for media houses – JoyNews’ Kwaku Asante
6 hours -
JoyNews’ Kwaku Asante criticises use of ‘false news’ laws to intimidate journalists at Constitutional Review Committee
7 hours -
Accra Mayor engages street hawkers ahead of Tuesday’s major decongestion exercise
7 hours -
Paolini ends 40-year wait for home winner of Italian Open
7 hours -
FA Cup: Crystal Palace stun Man City to win first major trophy
8 hours