Eskinder Firew

Eskinder Firew is an esteemed journalist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a career spanning about two decades at the Voice of America, Horn of Africa Service, since joining in 2005. His reporting primarily focuses on conflict resolution and political affairs, with a special emphasis on Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, where he has diligently covered the peace talks mediated by the regional bloc IGAD. Eskinder's work has been pivotal in elucidating the efforts to establish a transitional government and the persistent challenges in the war-torn region, thereby enhancing the understanding of international relations and civil strife in South Sudan.

Eskinder adeptly reports in Amharic, Ethiopia's official language and English , catering to a diverse audience. His proficiency in English was particularly instrumental during the South Sudan peace talks in Addis Ababa, where he reported continuously for the South Sudan in Focus Program. His versatility as a journalist was also showcased when he served as a pool reporter during former Second Lady Jill Biden's visit to Ethiopia in July 2016.

His interviews included exclusive sit-down interviews with the current 
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, foreign ambassadors and diplomats.

"Eskinder is an established journalistic institution in Ethiopia, with a long￾time following and a particular skill set that is unique value in Addis", a former chief of VOA’s Horn of Africa Service said.

Prior to his tenure at the Voice of America, Eskinder honed his journalistic skills at Ethiopian Television, where he was recognized as an award-winning journalist. His roles there included reporter, editor, and program producer, which equipped him with a robust foundation in media and journalism, setting the stage for his subsequent contributions to international reporting and his insightful coverage of critical political events in the Horn of Africa.