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 Daniel Chapo is set to be sworn in today as the fifth President of the former Portuguese colony, which gained its independence on June 25, 1975.

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.

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 was sworn in as Mozambique's president amid violent protests over his disputed election victory. The opposition claims vote-rigging, and protests have taken a deadly toll. Chapo promised governmental reform and prioritization of health and education.

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