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.

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

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, in fresh political unrest.

Daniel Chapo of Mozambique's long-ruling Frelimo party was sworn in as president on Wednesday at a sparsely attended ceremony after months of protests against his disputed election victory.

Daniel Chapo is officially sworn in as Mozambique's new president:::: Maputo, MozambiqueThe disputed October 9 poll, which opposition leader Venancio Mondlane says was rigged, has sparked demonstrations over the past few months in which hundreds of protesters have been killed in the southern African nation of 35 million.

Only a handful of foreign dignitaries – including President Cyril Ramaphosa – gathered in Maputo today as Frelimo cemented its half-century of rule in Mozambique following months of deadly protests.