Troops deployed to contain the unrest have been withdrawn from Lusaka’s streets.

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The Economic Intelligence Unit says this week’s xenophobic attacks have highlighted how a challenging economic backdrop can fuel social tensions and weaken security.

It says although the riots may have been triggered by the suspected ritual killings, high youth unemployment and rapidly rising cost of living have increased frustration among locals, especially youths.

Many foreign nationals run thriving small businesses in townships and the central business district of Lusaka.

As ordinary Zambians grapple with a tough economic climate, hostility towards foreigners has increased.

The disturbances have tarnished Zambia’s credentials as a safe haven for refugees fleeing conflict in other parts of Africa. .

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President Edgar Lungu’s ordered the military to restore order in Lusaka where at least 62 Rwandan-owned shops have been looted.

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The two deaths in Zambia are put down to confusion in one of the  one of the nine Lusaka neighborhoods shaken by xenophobic violence.

It’s been sparked by the suspicion that Rwandans are behind seven recent ritual killings in the Zambian capital.

Home Affairs Minister Davies Mwila urges his compatriots not to heed these malicious rumours.

He says there have been at least 11 arrests following the ritual killings.

At least 6 000 Rwandans moved to Zambia following the 1994 genocide in their country.

They say they have no intention of returning.

Many have sought Zambian citizenship.

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