Nyusi took office as Minister of Defence on 27 March 2008, succeeding Tobias Joaquim Dai.

Nyusi's appointment came almost exactly one year after a fire and resulting explosions of munitions at the Malhazine armoury in Maputo killed more than 100 people and destroyed 14,000 homes.
A government-appointed investigative commission concluded that negligence played a role in the disaster, and Dai "was blamed by many for failing to act on time to prevent the loss of life".

Although no official reason was given for Dai's removal, it may have been a "delayed reaction" to the Malhazine disaster.

In September 2012, Nyusi was elected to the Central Committee of Frelimo, the ruling party, at its 10th congress.
Nyusi took office as Minister of Defence on 27 March 2008, succeeding Tobias Joaquim Dai.
Nyusi's appointment came almost exactly one year after a fire and resulting explosions of munitions at the Malhazine armoury in Maputo killed more than 100 people and destroyed 14,000 homes. A government-appointed investigative commission concluded that negligence played a role in the disaster, and Dai "was blamed by many for failing to act on time to prevent the loss of life".
Although no official reason was given for Dai's removal, it may have been a "delayed reaction" to the Malhazine disaster.
In September 2012, Nyusi was elected to the Central Committee of Frelimo, the ruling party, at its 10th congress.
Filipe Nyusi