After his Aug.9 controversial reelection to a sixth term, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has been sworn in during an event international reports describe as a "secret ceremony" which was held with no prior announcement.

Belta state news agency was the first to report the swearing in on Wednesday, the first indication of which were eyewitness reports of widespread street closures in Minsk and even allegations of intentional internet outages as the presidential motorcade sped through the streets.

"Alexander Lukashenko has taken office as President of Belarus. The inauguration ceremony is taking place in these minutes in the Palace of Independence," Belta reported.