He was a member of the Politburo of FRELIMO during the 1980s (as such, he was a co-head of state between the death of Samora Machel on 19 October 1986 until the election of Joaquim Chissano on 6 November).
He played a pivotal role in FRELIMO's Politburo during the 1980s, taking over as co-leader with Samora Machel after his death in October 1986 and before Joaquim Chissano's ascension to leadership in November.