Nyussi was one of many dignitaries who were traveling to Matchedje, near the Tanzanian border, for celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the second congress of the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), the predecessor of today's Frelimo Party.

Nyussi was traveling by road to Matchedge, and shared a vehicle with Agriculture Minister Soares Nhaca. About 70 kilometres north of the provincial capital, Lichinga, the car overturned. Health Minister Ivo Garrido told reporters that Nyussi had broken his left arm.

He was operated on successfully in South Africa and Garrido believed that he would soon be able to return to Maputo. The vehicle's driver, however, was more seriously injured, and is currently under intensive care in the Niassa provincial hospital, in Lichinga. Soares Nhaca escaped from the accident unharmed.

Panapress