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

Fri, 01/15/2021 - 05:56 PM

Families Hold Out Hope for Eritrea’s Disappeared Journalists

Release of religious prisoners after 26 years sparks hope that journalists jailed in 2001 might finally be reunited with family

Fri, 01/08/2021 - 07:28 PM

Eritrea’s Role Questioned as Reports Emerge of Its Involvement in Tigray Conflict

Prominent Ethiopian military official confirms presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia’s Tigray despite denials by Eritrean government

Tue, 01/05/2021 - 06:04 PM

Experts: Report of China Hacking African Union HQ Fits Larger Pattern

A Reuters news report alleges that surveillance footage from the AU was stolen by Chinese hackers; Beijing dismisses the report

Mon, 12/21/2020 - 03:35 PM

Rights Groups Sound Alarm Over Safety of Eritrean Refugees in Ethiopia 

Reports emerge of Eritrean refugees in Tigray being attacked, abducted and returned to their home country in violation of international law 

Fri, 12/18/2020 - 12:34 AM

For Ethiopia’s Diaspora, Seeking News Amid Communication Blackout is a Challenge

With phone and internet disrupted, covering developments like Tigray conflict is challenge for Ethiopia’s diaspora media and their audiences

Thu, 12/10/2020 - 02:45 PM

Expert: No Evidence UAE Drones Are Being Used in Ethiopia’s Tigray Conflict

Analyst says drones are stationed in Eritrean port city near Tigray

Fri, 12/04/2020 - 11:45 AM

Journalists Struggle Through Information Blackout in Ethiopia

As the government claims victory in what it says is a law enforcement campaign in the Tigray region, journalists say the internet and telecom shutdown has made independent verification difficult

Wed, 12/02/2020 - 02:54 PM

After Outcry Over Abuse, Nigeria’s Police Reform Efforts Under Scrutiny

Since the disbanding of a police unit accused of excessive force in October, the Nigerian government has made reforms, but activists and academics say the fight for justice and sustainable change is not over

Tue, 12/01/2020 - 09:48 PM

Journalists Struggle Through Information Blackout in Ethiopia

As the government claims victory in what it calls a law enforcement campaign in the Tigray region, journalists say internet, telecom shutdown makes independent verification difficult

Mon, 11/16/2020 - 04:27 PM

Thousands of Refugees from Ethiopia’s Tigray Region Fleeing Violence

The more than week-long conflict in Ethiopia between federal government and regional ruling party TPLF has forced more than 20,000 people to flee to Sudan, according to UN refugee agency

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.

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