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

Sat, 04/04/2020 - 06:19

South African-Created Mobile Alert Puts COVID Info Into Hands of Millions

Praekelt.org has gone global raising awareness about coronavirus

Thu, 04/02/2020 - 15:17

African Artists Raise Coronavirus Awareness Through Songs

Medical authorities say public education will play a key role in stopping the spread of the coronavirus in Africa

Thu, 04/02/2020 - 07:57

Debate Rages as Anti-malaria Drugs Are Rushed for COVID-19 Use 

The drugs will be used on an emergency basis for patients with acute respiratory problems  

Mon, 03/30/2020 - 04:24

If Coronavirus Hits Libyan Detention Centers It Would be a 'Massacre'

Thousands of African migrants are held in overcrowded facilities in Libya where diseases spread rapidly

Sat, 03/28/2020 - 03:52

African Students Stuck in China: 'Our Pleas Are Falling on Deaf Ears'

Some African students remain stuck in China, months after the coronavirus first gripped the country

Sat, 03/28/2020 - 10:54

African Artists Raise Coronavirus Awareness Through Song

Public education seen as key to stopping spread of COVID-19, so prominent figures use music to reach the masses

Mon, 03/23/2020 - 15:58

Rights Group Condemns Internet Shutdown in Ethiopia, Points to Threats of Coronavirus Spread 

Human Rights Watch Calls on Ethiopia to Restore Internet and Phone Access in Western Oromia

Thu, 03/19/2020 - 05:49

Africa CDC: Continent ‘Must Be Prepared’ as Coronavirus Causes ‘Havoc’ 

Deputy director Dr. Ahmed Ogwell said the continent has learned lessons from the Ebola outbreak and is better prepared to respond to the coronavirus 

Wed, 03/18/2020 - 03:27

Nigeria Aims to Silence Dissent with Charges Against Journalist, Advocates Say

Family and rights groups of Nigerian journalist Omoyele Sowore call on the government to end delay tactics in court and drop all charges. Salem Solomon has the latest on his case

Thu, 03/12/2020 - 10:44

Nigeria Aims to Silence Dissent With Charges Against Prominent Journalist, Advocates Say

After months in prison and a prolonged legal fight, Omoyele Sowore, although free on bail, is now facing treason charges

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!