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

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

Wed, 11/11/2020 - 01:58 PM

Ethiopia’s Instability Threatens to Engulf Region

Long a bedrock of stability in the Horn of Africa, analysts fear a destabilized Ethiopia could have repercussions beyond its borders

Sun, 11/08/2020 - 12:30 AM

From Refugee to Representative, US Candidates Celebrate Election Victories

At least five American political newcomers with African roots who won posts in city, state and federal races in Tuesday’s US elections

Mon, 11/02/2020 - 04:50 PM

Motivations Vary as African Diaspora Vote in US Election

Pew research shows 2.4 million foreign-born Africans in US are not a monolithic voting bloc

Fri, 10/30/2020 - 02:21 AM

2 Americans with African Roots Vie for Changes Through Ballot Box

More than 15 first- or second-generation Americans of African descent running for office in the U.S.

Wed, 10/28/2020 - 01:10 AM

US Lawmakers, Activists Say Nigerian Protests Point to Global Human Rights Issue

Protesters in Nigeria calling for end to SARS police unit urge international community to join call for reform

Fri, 10/23/2020 - 05:44 PM

US Lawmakers, Activists: Abuse by Nigerian Police Unit Is Global Human Rights Issue 

Observers say United States, international community have role to play in demanding reforms

Wed, 10/21/2020 - 04:40 PM

Advocates Want Independent Review of Death of Rwandan Gospel Singer

As friends and rights advocates celebrated a recent award shedding light on Kizito Mihigo’s work, they remain skeptical about the circumstances surrounding his death in police custody; authorities say he committed suicide

Mon, 10/19/2020 - 03:02 AM

Somalia’s First Rape Crisis Center Helps Girls and Women Despite Continued Risks

Somali Fartuun Adan and her daughter Ilwad Elman are the 2020 recipients of The Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, a prize given each year to a person or group risking their lives to protect people in conflict

Fri, 10/16/2020 - 02:06 AM

African Diaspora Looks to Flex Political Muscle in US Elections

African diaspora organizers say though the US election is drawing more African-born immigrants eligible to vote, they are not organized enough to constitute a voting bloc

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!