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.

President-elect Daniel Chapo is due to be sworn in on January 15, amid a disputed election and simmering violence in Mozambique. How can the new president unite the country?

When Daniel Chapo is sworn in as Mozambique’s new president on Wednesday, he’ll take over as the leader of a nation shattered by months of protests that have claimed hundreds of lives and crippled the economy — and many people who don’t consider him legitimately elected.

Streets in capital Maputo looked deserted with shops closed either in protest or fear of violence as Daniel Chapo begins 5-year term

The main opposition leader has promised to "paralyze" the country ahead of Daniel Chapo's swearing-in. The October 9 election results have been questioned by international observers.

President-elect Daniel Chapo was sworn into office Wednesday, more than three months after Mozambique's disputed elections. Chapo's main rival Venancio Mondlane called for Mozambicans to take to

Mondlane - a part-time pastor and independent candidate who insists he was the true winner of the polls - is reported to be sheltering in one of the capital city's hotels. It is not known what security protection he has there, nor who is paying for it.

Daniel Chapo, 48, was inaugurated on Wednesday, extending the Frelimo party's half-century of rule in Mozambique, despite weeks of deadly protests over the hotly disputed election results.