This is a really good question. There’s actually a huge amount of migration that goes to other African countries, even if the headlines are mainly about the movement of refugees to Europe through North Africa and the Middle East.

But it’s worth noting how legally perilous refugee status for those moving across African border can be. There’s a good overview of the situation from the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

Yafet’s experiences in Sudan are one example, but another worth thinking about is Kenya. UNHCR estimates that there are 550,000 refugees in Kenya (population 44 million) with many of them coming from Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. In 2014, the Kenyan government issued a new directive that all refugees must move out of cities like Nairobi and go to live in refugee camps. Hundreds of refugees have been arrested and moved since the directive, even if in many cases they were living settled lives, ran businesses and had children attending schools.

In the specific case of Eritrea, you have to also consider that it is an incredibly widespread diaspora — one that has been growing since the war of independence began in the early 1960s —and that there are significant communities all over the world. Many of those fleeing to Europe are specifically trying to unite with friends and family who have already made the journey. We have spoken to Ghost Boat family members in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Australia.

So, I’d say: It is not a hot topic in the news, but yes, they do see African countries as potential homes — and in large numbers. But it’s sad and complicated.