Zanzibar authorities are enforcing a ban on all men wearing their hair in braided styles, braided hairstyles flout the law and local traditions and threatens people’s morals.
According to Zanzibar’s Culture Executive Secretary Omar Adam, men braiding their hair is dangerous to the future generation. It is a form of immorality and a culture which is adopted from outside Zanzibar.
Additionally, Mr Omar dismissed concerns that the move was targeting the LGBTQ community in the islands, where same-sex relationships are illegal.
This 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 up to six months imprisonment – or both.
Despite Zanzibar being among top tourist destinations, the authorities say the enforcement will apply equally to visitors.
In April 2023, the government of Zanzibar banned 16 book titles and the use of rainbow colours in schools claiming that they advocated for LGBTQ rights.
This crackdown on the LGBTQ community in Zanzibar is just a tip of the iceberg, most African countries have imposed restrictive policies against homosexuality.
Penalties for gay sex generally include fines and prison time or even death penalty. The latest country to pass strict Anti-Homosexuality Act is Uganda.
Kenya is expected to pass a Family Protection Bill. This bill would impose a jail term of no less than five years on people found guilty of assembling, picketing, promoting or supporting LGBTQ-specific activities.
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