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

Tue, 07/14/2020 - 21:03

Tensions Reignite Between Ethiopia and Egypt Over Nile Dam

Images suggest Africa’s largest hydroelectric plant, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, has already started filling the dam, despite being the source of tensions between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan

Tue, 07/14/2020 - 14:00

Amid Protests, Mali President’s Son Resigns from Parliament Defense Committee 

At least 11 people have been killed as a result of violence in Mali’s capital as protesters call for the removal of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita 

Wed, 07/08/2020 - 00:32

Coronavirus Poses Added Risk to Refugees and Humanitarian Groups

Millions have a second layer of vulnerability added this year due to a global pandemic that spreads quickly among people who live in close proximity to one another

Wed, 07/01/2020 - 11:53

Rights Groups Call for Swift Response to Ethiopian Singer's Death

Oromia regional authorities said at least 50 people have been killed in the region following the death of a popular Oromo singer Hachalu Hundessa

Thu, 06/25/2020 - 17:15

As Nile Dam Tensions Rise, 'Miscalculation' Could Lead to Conflict

Egypt calls tensions surrounding Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam a threat to peace and security and has asked the UN to step in

Wed, 06/24/2020 - 11:44

ICC Prosecutor Hopes War Crimes Trial Will Help Break Cycle of Violence’ in Sudan

ICC’s Fatou Bensouda said Ali Kushayb’s surrender is a signal to war criminals that they cannot hide forever

Fri, 06/19/2020 - 11:03

Trial of Alleged Sudan War Criminal Sends Strong Signal, Prosecutor says

Lawyer Fatou Bensouda says Ali Kushayb's surrender is a signal to war criminals that they cannot hide forever

Wed, 06/17/2020 - 09:40

Facing US Sanctions, ICC Prosecutor Pledges to Continue 'Without Fear or Favor'

President Donald Trump authorized sanctions against the court, which is probing suspected war crimes by US troops in Afghanistan

Thu, 06/11/2020 - 15:05

Coronavirus Poses Leadership Test for Africa's Heads of State

The global pandemic is forcing leaders to govern during a crisis; some are getting high marks for preparedness, while others are stoking fear

Tue, 06/02/2020 - 16:06

China-Africa Blanket Debt Forgiveness Not in the Cards 

China-Africa relations experts say due to the global pandemic many African countries are calling for a pause in repayments or a form of debt forgiveness 

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!