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.

Supporters of opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who insists he won the vote, have protested for months, sometimes drawing a violent police response. Demonstrations Wednesday reportedly turned deadly with seven people killed.

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.