Authorities in Zanzibar are forcibly banning males from wearing their hair in braids, telling the BBC that doing so violates the law, local customs, and people's morals.

According to Omar Adam, executive secretary for culture in Zanzibar, "We find it dangerous to our future generations." This is one example of Zanzibar's immorality; it is a culture that has been imported.

He has eased worries that the decision was made to specifically target the LGBTQ community on the islands, where same-sex relationships are forbidden.

Although the rule prohibiting males from braiding their hair dates back to 2015, it has only begun to be enforced by the police.


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Anyone with braided hair who enters or resides in Zanzibar faces a fine of more than $400, six months in jail, or both.

The officials claim that the enforcement will be applied equally to tourists even though Zanzibar is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Two months ago, the Zanzibar government banned 16 book titles and the use of rainbow colours in schools, claiming they advocated for LGBTQ rights.