Daniel Chapo took his oath as the country’s fifth president before about 2,500 people who endured intense heat in the capital, Maputo.

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.

Mozambique's new president Daniel Chapo vowed to unite the country Wednesday upon taking the oath of office under heavy guard following weeks of deadly political unrest.

Mozambique's new president Daniel Chapo took the oath of office Wednesday in front of a heavily guarded audience of dignitaries in the capital Maputo following weeks of violent demonstrations over the fiercely disputed election results.