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

Wed, 09/16/2020 - 08:08 PM

Release of Torture Videos Prompts Denials by Mozambican Authorities

Images from videos seen by Amnesty appear to show security forces torturing captured militants

Wed, 09/16/2020 - 01:47 PM

Compensation Disparity Riles Victims of 1998 US Embassy Bombings  

Compensation for victims is prerequisite for process to remove Sudan from the list of state sponsors of terrorism 

Thu, 09/10/2020 - 03:39 PM

Release of Torture Videos Prompts Denials by Mozambican Authorities

Images viewed by international rights group appear to show security forces torturing captured militants

Sat, 09/05/2020 - 11:12 AM

Daughter of Rwandan 'Genocide Hero' Pleads for His Release

Paul Rusesabagina is one of many Rwandan opposition figures to have been arrested, while others have died under mysterious circumstances

Thu, 09/03/2020 - 05:48 PM

Security Crisis in Rural Nigeria Prompts Calls for Action 

Amnesty International’s Nigeria director says a cycle of impunity perpetuates more violence in the northern part of the country  

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:25 PM

Kenyan Journalist’s Arrest Highlights Ongoing Press Freedom Concerns in Ethiopia

The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a Kenyan journalist detained in Ethiopia has been released, but press advocates see latest crackdown on journalists as a step back for Ethiopia’s democratic progress

Fri, 08/21/2020 - 03:10 PM

Former US Envoy to Mali Urges Military to Stand Down

International observers fear instability in Mali could spread across West Africa

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 12:33 PM

Rape, Death of 5-Year-Old in Sierra Leone Sparks Outrage, Debate

In June, Kadijah Saccoh was allegedly assaulted by a family member who was tasked with looking after her and her sister; the case put sexual violence in the spotlight

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 05:59 PM

Rape, Death of 5-Year-Old in Sierra Leone Sparks Outrage, Debate

Death of Kadijah Saccoh in June prompted protests, debate about how country should address gender-based violence

Fri, 08/14/2020 - 08:10 PM

Victims' Families Await Compensation From Sudan 22 Years After US Embassy Bombings

Deal being held up in Congress over compensations of then-African nationals who became US citizens

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!