Background: APPLE was founded December 4, 1992 by 11 independent journalists to support the independent private press. The founders were motivated by the knowledge that, in Burundi, information sources and production facilities have both been monopolized by the state. Independent newspapers have been forced to use presses that charge inflated prices and do not meet production deadlines. At the same time, very few journalists have been properly trained.



Objectives: APPLE's objectives are to: promote and protect freedom of expression, and to act against any arbitrary restraints on it; defend the right of the public to complete and objective information; serve as a nucleus to study the exercise of the freedom of expression; stimulate initiatives to improve related legislation and regulations; and support professional development by training journalists in the gathering, processing and production of information so that it is delivered quickly and under the best conditions.