Daniel Chapo, leader of the ruling FRELIMO party, took the oath as president of Mozambique on Wednesday.
At the ceremony, the 48-year-old former journalist promised "to devote all my energies to defending, promoting, and consolidating national unity, human rights, democracy, and the well-being of the Mozambican people."
The inauguration comes after months of deadly protests organized by the opposition, which does not recognize the results of the country's recent presidential election.
Earlier, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking on behalf of the Southern African Development Community, expressed the group's willingness to assist Mozambique in overcoming its current political crisis.