Traders in a Tanzanian district have been banned from displaying scantily clad mannequins outside their premises.

The directive is meant to protect the country’s values, said Rashid Msaraka, the head of Unguja town district in the country’s islands of Zanzibar.

In an interview with a popular blogger, Mr. Msaraka said such mannequins could still be displayed inside shops.

He said the scantily clad mannequins lined outside premises were visible to schoolchildren and youth and had the potential of distracting their minds.

“We have received complaints from people who are concerned about the psychological effects. I know other districts will also follow suit,” he said.