Hello, I’m Salem Solomon.

I’m a digital, multimedia journalist with the Voice of America’s Africa Division, where I cover the latest news from across the continent.

I report and edit in English, Amharic and Tigrigna, and my work has appeared in The New York Times, Poynter.org, Reuters, The Tampa Bay Times and The Washington Post. I also produce data-driven multimedia stories and research trends in analytics and digital journalism.

I invite you to check out my stories, multimedia projects, media appearances and résumé.

Recent Stories

Thu, 01/16/2020 - 05:48

Kenya Looks to Secure Border as Al-Shabab Launches Deadly Attacks

The inspector general of Kenyan Police Service “urged officers to change their tact in the fight against the enemy”

Tue, 01/14/2020 - 08:08

Ethiopia PM Sidesteps Trump’s Head Scratching Nobel Prize Comments

President Donald Trump’s comments on 2019 Nobel Peace Prize prompt criticism, raise questions

Fri, 01/10/2020 - 16:15

Is Angola's Anti-Corruption Drive Real or Cosmetic?

Is Angola's 'Terminator' president going after corruption or his political rivals?

Tue, 01/07/2020 - 05:52

Angolan Billionaire Says Anti-Corruption Drive Jeopardizes Rule of Law

Isabel Dos Santos, billionaire daughter of the former Angolan President, tells VOA an Angolan court's order to freeze her assets is politically motivated

Sat, 01/04/2020 - 05:03

As Iran Looks to Hit US Interests, it May Turn to Africa

Iran has sought to increase its profile in Africa through ideology, arms sales and trade

Fri, 01/03/2020 - 07:51

First Deaf and Blind Harvard Law Graduate Says Accessibility Isn’t Charity

Haben Girma, shares her story and says she wants to end what she calls 'ableism'

Mon, 12/30/2019 - 15:18

Eritrean Footballers' Defection in Uganda Sparks Conversation About Youth Migration

Seven Eritrean football players left their team in Uganda, refusing to return home after a football tournament

Sun, 12/29/2019 - 22:01

After Algeria's Leadership Shakeup, Observers Look for Break With Past

In whirlwind developments, new prime minister appointed days after the sudden death of a top military officer, who was viewed by many as a kingmaker

Sun, 12/29/2019 - 03:56

Ethiopian 'Hero' Works to Give Girls Back Their Dignity

Freweini Mebrahtu produces a patented, reusable menstrual pad for girls in her native Ethiopia. There are 30 million women of reproductive age in the country and the vast majority do not have access to affordable sanitary pads.

Thu, 12/26/2019 - 01:10

Botswana’s Ex-President Worries About Decline in Democracy, Rebuffs Corruption Claims

In an interview with VOA’s Nightline Africa radio program, former President Ian Khama said claims made by the administration of President Mokgweetsi Masisi that he misappropriated billions in the local currency are ‘laughable’

Media Appearances

I make frequent appearances on TV, radio and web shows to discuss events unfolding across Africa. My comments have appeared on VOA broadcasts, Al Jazeera and Newsy.

Watch My Appearances

Essays & Analysis

The New York Times Magazine

‘They’re Going to Come for Us’: A Teenage Girl Caught in a War’s Riptides

My father knew we were next. “They’re going to come for us,” he’d say, after Meles Zenawi, then the prime minister of Ethiopia, told the country on national television in July 1998 that Eritreans weren’t welcome.

Columbia Journalism Review

The 'North Korea of Africa'? Not so fast.

For years, news outlets in Europe and North America have aimed to cover African places and people in terms familiar to their audiences.

Foreign Policy

Life in Eritrea’s News Desert

What the country teaches the world about the importance of an independent press.

Washington Post

No, al-Shabab is not deadlier than Boko Haram. Here are better numbers.

For years, Boko Haram has carried the dubious distinction of being Africa’s deadliest terrorist group.

Thanks for stopping by!