 | ||
Eliézer Niyitegeka (born 12 March 1952 in Kibuye prefecture, Rwanda) is a journalist and former politician. After studying journalism in Romania, Niyitegeka became first a journalist and presenter with Radio Rwanda and subsequently a Member of Parliament, then executive in a textile company and businessman. In 1991, with the coming of multi party democracy to Rwanda, he was one of the founding members of the opposition party, the Democratic Republican Movement (MDR). MDR advocated democracy, individual freedoms, the reunion of Rwandans regardless of ethnic considerations, and the end of violence. Its motto, as shown in the party's statute, was: "Liberty, Justice and Work. From 1991 till 1994, he was President of the MDR in Kibuye prefecture. Niyitegeka also held a seat in the national political headquarters of his party.
Niyitegeka was the object of attacks because of his opinions and his position within the MDR. In March 1992, grenades were thrown at him at Gitega, as he was passing in his vehicle. After the signing of the Arusha power-sharing protocols, in January 1993, Niyitegeka's garage and petrol station in Nyabugogo, Gatsyata, were pillaged during protests organised by the MRND. In the second half of 1993, Niyitegeka was assaulted after chairing a political rally in Kibuye, when passing through Birambo.
On 9 April 1994, he was appointed Minister of Information. Niyitegeka joined the Interim government in order to ensure peace and democracy for Rwanda and the implementation of the Arusha accords. He held this position until the time he fled Rwanda in mid-July 1994. In this capacity, he was responsible for government policies adopted in the information sector. He exercised authority and control over all the institutions and staff members under his ministry. He also participated in the drafting of the legislation passed by the Interim Government.