VOA Director
@VOADirector
Followers
10K
Following
162
Media
153
Statuses
8K
Official handle of the VOA Director. Mike Abramowitz is the 31st Director of VOA, serving since June 2024.
Washington, DC
Joined April 2016
At @UNOCHA, officials warn they may be forced to end the humanitarian operation in northern #Ethiopia’s embattled #Tigray province because supplies are running out. Lisa Schlein reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna @VOAAmharic @VOAAfaanOromoo .
44
622
404
At @UNOCHA, officials warn they may be forced to end the humanitarian operation in northern #Ethiopia’s embattled #Tigray province because supplies are running out. Lisa Schlein reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna @VOAAmharic @VOAAfaanOromoo .
28
460
356
Widespread hunger and starvation loom amid the 6 month old conflict in #Ethiopia. Residents of #Tigray have little access to drinking water and food. @VOANews reporting in May with VOA Horn of Africa and @VOAAfrica:.
206
369
376
#Ethiopia’s government pours doubt on a scathing report, even as it says it will examine allegations by international rights groups that its military committed gross rights abuses in #Tigray region. Gelmo Dawit reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna @VOAAmharic.
46
581
361
1/4 Civil war has displaced many in #Ethiopia's #Tigray region with no end in sight to their misery. In the VOA documentary “Terror in Tigray” @heather_murdock tells the story of a complex political situation and growing humanitarian disaster. @VOANews:.
57
231
265
Widespread hunger and starvation loom amid the 6 month old conflict in #Ethiopia. Residents of #Tigray have little access to drinking water and food. @VOANews reporting in May with VOA Horn of Africa and @VOAAfrica:.
100
308
318
#Ethiopian police admit arresting hundreds of ethnic #Tigrayans in the capital Addis Ababa in recent weeks claiming they support #TPLF. #AmnestyInternational says many involved ethnicity. Dawit Gelmo reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
44
270
310
In #Ethiopia’s #Tigray region, millions of people are in desperate need of food aid, and even in #Mekelle, the regional capital, displaced families say that on some days, they have nothing to eat. As VOA’s Heather Murdock reports. @VOANews @VOATigrigna .
46
294
289
An internal #US government report obtained by The New York Times says that #Ethiopia is conducting “a systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing” under the cover of war in the #Tigray region. @VOATigrigna @VOANews .
32
239
267
As anti-military protests grow across #Myanmar, authorities' use of force has intensified. In Mandalay, there were violent crackdowns in recent days. But Wednesday was more peaceful. The Daily TV Newsletter on @Voaburmese.
22
220
281
An #AmnestyInternational report details the systematic killing of hundreds of civilians in Axum by #Eritrean soldiers, in #Ethopia’s Tigray region. Read the indepth story by @VOAAfrica Salem Solomon & Gebre Gebremedhin report. @VOATigrigna @VOANews.
22
221
247
As the conflict in #Ethiopia’s #Tigray region rages on, international observers are sounding alarm bells about the involvement of forces from neighboring #Eritrea. @VOATigrigna @Salem_Solomon reports @VOANews.
45
203
239
One coup. One country. Two names? #Myanmar is the official name of the country upended by a military coup this week. In official #US documents, the country with beaches on the Andaman Sea is #Burma. Lin Yang explains @VOANews @Voaburmese.
62
143
268
The #US warns #Ethiopia and #Eritrea they may face further actions, including #MagnitskyAct sanctions, if those stoking violence against civilians in the Tigray region do not stop. State Department Correspondent Cindy Saine reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
32
203
237
#Ethiopia uses drones in the #Tigray conflict. And where does the government acquire them? @Salem_Solomon has the report @VOANews @VOATigrigna @VOAAmharic @VOAAfaanOromoo .
18
241
185
#HongKong’s public broadcaster is required to be editorially independent. But a new series of shows by HK leader Carrie Lam tests the limits of that independence. Tommy Walker reports @VOANews @VOAChinese #AFreePressMatters.
23
232
231
In #Ethiopia’s #Tigray region, millions of people are in desperate need of food aid, and even in #Mekelle, the regional capital, displaced families say that on some days, they have nothing to eat. As VOA’s Heather Murdock reports. @VOANews @VOATigrigna .
35
206
210
An internal #US government report obtained by The New York Times says that #Ethiopia is conducting “a systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing” under the cover of war in the #Tigray region. @VOATigrigna @VOANews .
22
210
212
The #US warns #Ethiopia and #Eritrea they may face further actions, including #MagnitskyAct sanctions, if those stoking violence against civilians in the Tigray region do not stop. State Department Correspondent Cindy Saine reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
40
174
209
#Ethiopia: Dozens of people were killed in a #Tigray town when a plane dropped a bomb on a local market. @VOANews @VOATigrigna .
10
237
212
Both the #US and @UN call for an immediate end to the fighting in #Ethiopia’s #Tigray region and for access to independent investigators, amid reports of ongoing atrocities. @VOATigrigna Senior Diplomatic Correspondent @cindysaine reports. Watch @VOANews.
4
135
165
Inside #Ethiopia’s #Tigray Region where thousands of people are dead and millions have fled their homes: Yan Boechat’s @VOANews photos @VOATigrigna.
21
168
165
Hundreds of women and girls in #Ethiopia’s #Tigray region have reported brutal rapes at the hands of soldiers in a war that is still ongoing, despite last week’s government troop withdrawal. Heather Murdock reports. Watch @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
25
151
150
The @UN finds staggering devastation, ruined lives and livelihoods in #Tigray amid the conflict in northern #Ethiopia. Lisa Schlein reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
17
181
146
The White House is calling for a full, independent investigation into human rights abuses in Ethiopia’s #Tigray region. @VOATigrigna VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent @cindysaine reports @VOANews .
8
127
146
Children hospitalized in #Mekelle had been shot, knifed or hit by shrapnel from heavy artillery. Some lost limbs from stepping on landmines. Many traveled for weeks through #Tigray to seek care. @heather_murdock reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
22
154
141
The White House is calling for a full, independent investigation into human rights abuses in Ethiopia’s #Tigray region. @VOATigrigna VOA’s Senior Diplomatic Correspondent @cindysaine reports @VOANews .
11
119
136
Civil war has displaced many in #Ethiopia's #Tigray region with no end in sight to their misery. The documentary “Terror in Tigray” & the project on @VOAAmharic’s .@voaamharic.
19
121
117
Inside #Ethiopia’s #Tigray Region where thousands of people are dead and millions have fled their homes: Yan Boechat’s @VOANews photos @VOATigrigna.
5
129
119
Children hospitalized in #Mekelle had been shot, knifed or hit by shrapnel from heavy artillery. Some lost limbs from stepping on landmines. Many traveled for weeks through #Tigray to seek care. @heather_murdock reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
12
120
113
An appeal to the #Ethiopian government to live up to its promise of unimpeded access to conflict-ridden #Tigray province as @UNICEF warns 33K children face imminent death from starvation. Lisa Schlein reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
15
132
115
As #Ethiopia’s prime minister admits to “atrocities” by the nation’s soldiers in the #Tigray region, see the @VOANews & @VOATigrigna coverage of the conflict and #Refugees here 👉 .
8
88
114
The @UN calls for a #ceasefire in #Ethiopia, as more than 5.5 million people are in crisis levels of food insecurity in #Tigray and the neighboring #Amhara and #Afar regions. @Mbesheer reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna @VOAAmharic @VOAAfaanOromoo .
8
99
109
#FunFactFriday: Most weeks, @VOAburmese has a total audience of four million people! It’s up, when the internet is available, since the #MyanmarCoup
18
45
113
The @UN calls for a #ceasefire in #Ethiopia, as more than 5.5 million people are in crisis levels of food insecurity in #Tigray and the neighboring #Amhara and #Afar regions. @Mbesheer reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna @VOAAmharic @VOAAfaanOromoo .
17
110
106
“I don’t know if they realized I was a person.” – A 20-year-old woman raped during the war in #Tigray. #AmnestyInternational accuses #Amhara militia and #Eritrean soldiers of systematic rape and abuse. Cindy Saine reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna .
13
87
105
In #Axum, locals described the early days of violence varying from mass shootings to house-to-house raids. In every person’s story, however, were descriptions of so many bodies. @heather_murdock reports from #Tigray #Ethiopia @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
4
93
99
A @VOANews correspondent sees what looks like a relaxed regional capital, #Mekelle “but it is not long before we notice glimpses of how much this city is not relaxed. War has permeated every aspect of life here.” @heather_murdock @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
30
99
90
Somali parents allege their sons, sent to train in Eritrea have been secretly fighting - and dying - in #Ethiopia's #Tigray conflict. @VOATigrigna @VOAAfrica Mohamed Kahiye reports @VOANews.
7
74
96
“I don’t know if they realized I was a person.” – A 20-year-old woman raped during the war in #Tigray. #AmnestyInternational accuses #Amhara militia and #Eritrean soldiers of systematic rape and abuse. Cindy Saine reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna .
9
101
91
VOA coverage of the #AmnestyInternational report on rape in #Tigray:.
1/4 Hundreds of Women, Girls Raped in Ethiopia’s Tigray @VOAAfrica @VOANews
8
45
77
An appeal to the #Ethiopian government to live up to its promise of unimpeded access to conflict-ridden #Tigray province as @UNICEF warns 33K children face imminent death from starvation. Lisa Schlein reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
10
68
81
37
41
81
During the #Tigray conflict, #Ethiopia’s government has restricted media access, arrested journalists – at least 7 were detained – and local reporters were threatened, beaten or questioned. @Salem_Solomon reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
11
50
77
"There is now famine in #Tigray," @UNReliefChief told a private, meeting of the @UN Security Council according to a copy of his written remarks seen by #VOA. #Ethiopia @mbesheer reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
5
82
66
In #Tigray, displaced families were split up in the chaos, with about 2M people fleeing within #Ethiopia and another 60K+ crossing into #Sudan. @heather_murdock explained on #WorldRefugueeDay @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
8
77
70
For more context on the humanitarian crisis: The VOA documentary “Terror in Tigray” @heather_murdock reports @VOANews.
8
73
62
During the #Tigray conflict, #Ethiopia’s government has restricted media access, arrested journalists – at least 7 were detained – and local reporters were threatened, beaten or questioned. @Salem_Solomon reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
14
45
76
.@UN aid agencies warn of a looming humanitarian catastrophe in northern #Ethiopia’s battle-scarred #Tigray region, reporting the ability to deliver assistance is still hampered. Lisa Schlein reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
3
54
66
. @UNICEF warns the conflict in #Ethiopia’s #Tigray province is stripping tens of thousands of children of their rights and causing unimaginable long-lasting harm. Lisa Schlein reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
3
77
66
I’m deeply saddened to learn that Kianoosh Sanjari has died in Iran. Kianoosh, a former VOA journalist & a man who loved his country, suffered imprisonment & faced severe repression from the Iranian regime that ultimately led to his passing. He will be deeply missed.
12
30
76
. @USAID chief @PowerUSAID meets with #Tigray #refugees: “All parties should accelerate unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance…” @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
4
44
65
In #Axum, locals described the early days of violence varying from mass shootings to house-to-house raids. In every person’s story, however, were descriptions of so many bodies. @heather_murdock reports from #Tigray #Ethiopia @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
4
60
56
6
31
53
A human rights organization based in Southeast Asia finds the #Rohingya community in #Bangladesh is undergoing a “severe mental health crisis.” Sarah Aziz reports @VOANews @VOABANGLA.
0
17
57
. @UNICEF warns the conflict in #Ethiopia’s #Tigray province is stripping tens of thousands of children of their rights and causing unimaginable long-lasting harm. Lisa Schlein reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
0
50
50
#Ethiopia's government declares a unilateral cease-fire in its #Tigray region as its former governing party and troops enter the regional capital, #Mekelle. @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
7
31
50
#Somalia’s government sent thousands of recruits to #Eritrea for military training as the country faces al-Shabab threats. @VOAAmharic @voasomali @HarunMaruf reports @VOANews .
7
29
52
First came a court summons alleging a 22-year-old had discredited the #Russian army. Then came the threatening calls. He has been posting commentary about the war in #Ukraine on social media. @GolosAmeriki Alexey Gorbachev has the story. @VOANews .
0
13
46
A human rights organization based in Southeast Asia finds the #Rohingya community in #Bangladesh is undergoing a “severe mental health crisis.” Sarah Aziz reports @VOANews @VOABANGLA.
0
15
49
The #US continues to pause non-humanitarian assistance to #Ethiopia to pressure the government to do more to stop the “deteriorating humanitarian and human rights crisis” in #Tigray. State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
1
28
44
Hundreds of #Afghan winners in the #US lottery visa program had considered themselves lucky, but after the #Taliban takeover they fear they may never be able to leave their country. @AlineBarros2 reports @VOANews @voadariafghan @voapashto.
7
22
47
In #Tigray, displaced families were split up in the chaos, with about 2M people fleeing within #Ethiopia and another 60K+ crossing into #Sudan. @heather_murdock explained on #WorldRefugueeDay @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
5
37
40
A #VOA Kurdish journalist and camera operator were shooting live coverage of a protest when both were detained with other journalists on the scene. Our statement: .
0
18
46
#NorthKorea is rushing to contain an outbreak of a “malignant” intestinal disease, a month after the country acknowledged it is dealing with a #COVID19 outbreak. @GalloVOA reports. @VOANews @voakorea.
7
17
42
The @UN finds staggering devastation, ruined lives and livelihoods in #Tigray amid the conflict in northern #Ethiopia. Lisa Schlein reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
4
43
40
Congratulations to @VOAIran for setting an all-time traffic record with their coverage of the #iranprotests this weekend, w/ 5.5 million Facebook video views & nearly 3 million site visits.
9
14
37
A big thanks to former VOA Director, David Ensor and the team at @SMPAGWU for showcasing such a unique display of VOA’s 76 years in the field!
2
16
40
U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Jon Huntsman Jr., believes the time for Russia to change is now.
4
12
37
The #Taliban forcefully disperses a group of women in #Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, as they stage what is their first demonstration in support of protests in #Iran. Ayaz Gul reports. @VOANews @VOADari @VOAPashto @VOAFarsi.
1
16
35
A video of #Ukraine’s president walking through the devastated town of Bucha attracts 21 million views on VOA Kurdish service social media – an example coverage that resonates across languages and cultures. @VOANews @VOA_Kurdish .
2
17
34
Freelancer Sherwan Sherwani was one of five journalists and activists convicted by an #Irbil city court of “spying and organizing armed groups” against the government. #Iraq #Kurdistan Rebaz Majeed @VOANews #PressFreedom.
0
15
33
Indonesian commandos biting off snake heads and German Shepherds descending from helicopters to take on bad guys? Seems like @GalloVOA and U.S. Sec of Defense Jim Mattis saw quite a show on a trip to boost U.S. cooperation with Indonesia’s military.
1
21
35
VOA’s live blog is tracking up to the minute news on fast-changing Iranian news. #iran #IranProtesters #IranNews
4
12
34
.@UN aid agencies warn of a looming humanitarian catastrophe in northern #Ethiopia’s battle-scarred #Tigray region, reporting the ability to deliver assistance is still hampered. Lisa Schlein reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
8
40
30
VOA Statement on Russia's Release of RFE/RL Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva
0
15
33
VOA Rohingya broadcasts serve refugees in camps located inside Bangladesh and must ultimately use Bangladesh transmission facilities. Native-Rohingya speakers in DC and camps do broadcasts which include news and information and interviews on concerns of camp residents.
6
9
32
Our factual #VOA reporting served as an example of the free press to dedicated journalists in #Afghanistan. Now, the #Taliban reverses 20 years of progress. I ask today’s order be canceled. @VOANews @VOADariAfghan @VOAPashto.
8
13
31
A “free, fair, and credible election” can happen in #Ethiopia only with a conducive electoral environment, the @StateDept says, amid a humanitarian crisis and conflict in Ethiopia’s northern #Tigray region. Nike Ching reports @VOANews @VOATigrigna.
6
27
28
My thoughts remain with our @RFERL colleague Alsu Kurmasheva, who has been sentenced to six and half years in prison. The intimidation tactics of the Kremlin know no end.
1
15
31
Our thoughts & prayers are with the families of the injured and those who lost their lives in Mogadishu
@VOADirector Amanda Bennett announces the death of a VOA friend and critical wounding of VOA reporter in the Mogadishu bomb blast.
4
22
28
The leaders of #Eritrea and #Somalia announce an agreement covering defense, security, diplomatic and political cooperation. @VOAAfrica @HarunMaruf reports @VOANews @voasomali.
1
9
26
A Somali-American fashion designer launches a line of headscarves to give #Muslim women more options and to make hijabs more visible to #US shoppers. @voasomali Maxamud Mascadde with Radhia Adam report. Watch @VOANews .
1
9
28
“Turkey, Breaking the Silence” VOA’s documentary explores the erosion of press freedom in the two decades of #PresErdoğan’s rule. #Turkey @VOANews #PressFreedom.
1
11
28
California is studying the treatment of black residents from the slavery era to the present to determine whether the state should pay reparations. Michelle Quinn reports @VOANews.
1
18
24
US government was furloughed, but the news was not. Proud of everyone at VOA who kept focused on the mission and worked their hardest.
2
11
26
VOA visits #NiagaraFalls State Park to see how U.S. immigrants embrace popular American tradition - family road trip
0
2
21