Hundreds of supporters of Mozambique’s opposition protested as the country inaugurated a new president following disputed elections and deadly unrest

By Manuel Mucari and Thando Hlophe MAPUTO (Reuters) -Daniel Chapo of Mozambique's long-ruling Frelimo party was sworn in as president on Wednesday at a sparsely attended ceremony, as the death toll from months of protests against his disputed election victory climbed.

Mozambique's new President Daniel Chapo has been sworn in at a low-key ceremony in the capital, Maputo, that was marred by an opposition boycott following heavily disputed elections. Most businesses in Maputo were shut and the streets largely deserted after defeated presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane called for a national strike in protest.

President Ramaphosa expressed his anticipation in working closely with President-Elect Chapo to strengthen the longstanding fraternal ties between South Africa and Mozambique.

Following months of protests against his disputed election victory, Daniel Chapo of Mozambique's Frelimo party has been sworn in as president at a sparsely attended ceremony.

Mozambique's new president Daniel Chapo vowed to unite the country upon taking the oath of office under heavy guard Wednesday, as seven more protesters were killed, a local NGO said,

Daniel Chapo was sworn in as Mozambique's new president on Wednesday. He took over as the leader of an African nation plagued by months of protests that have claimed hundreds of lives and crippled the economy.