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, 11/22/2019 - 03:01

Despite Arrests and Intimidation, Tanzanian Journalist Fights to Ensure Press Freedom

The Committee to Protect Journalists, a global press freedom group, in July named Maxence Melo, a Tanzanian journalist and founder of Jamii Forums, winner of this year’s International Press Freedom Award

Wed, 11/20/2019 - 08:39

After Weeks on the Run, Eritrean Footballers in Uganda Plead for Resettlement

Four Eritrean football players are asking for asylum in Uganda after playing a tournament in October, saying they fear 'unimaginable punishments and it might even cause us death,' if sent back to Eritrea

Thu, 11/14/2019 - 23:37

In Uganda, Dissidents Adapt to Evade Huawei Assisted Government Spying 

After spying assisted by Huawei employees, Ugandan politician Bobi Wine, a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni, takes elaborate steps to keep government spies at bay

Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:38

President and First Lady of Sierra Leone Vow to 'Lift the Lid' on Rape

President and First Lady of Sierra Leone say they will continue to push to improve the lives of women and girls in the West African nation

Mon, 11/04/2019 - 02:25

Military Contractor Deaths Raise Questions About Russia’s Security Presence in Africa

Deaths of 20 Mozambican Soldiers and 5 Russian contractors in Cabo Delgado province have drawn attention to Russia’s strategy in southern Africa and beyond

Fri, 11/01/2019 - 11:12

Ethiopia Government: Up to 78 Killed in Ethnically-Motivated Violence

Prime minister's spokeswoman says another 409 arrested in connection with last week's violence

Thu, 10/31/2019 - 13:47

Facebook Moves to Curb Russian Interference in African Politics

Analyst tells VOA Moscow believes cyber interference in the affairs of other countries gives it the most bang for its buck

Tue, 10/29/2019 - 10:51

Ethiopia Mourns Dead After Ethnic Violence Breaks Out 

Prime minister breaks silence with written statement on clashes as official death toll rises to 67

Wed, 10/23/2019 - 04:05

Russia Seeks Stronger, More Positive Ties to Africa at Sochi Summit

Russia’s modern presence in Africa hasn’t always taken a positive spin, but Moscow hopes to rebrand the relationship with an ambitious new summit

Fri, 10/18/2019 - 11:50

Torture, Sexual Abuse Prompt Calls for Reform of Nigeria's Islamic Schools

President Buhari vows to close some Islamic schools known as Almajiris, where raids exposed abuse across northern Nigeria

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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