Eritrean Exodus

An estimated 5,000 Eritreans are leaving every month their country, to cross the Mediterranean and seek asylum in Europe, behind only Syrians and Afghans. Those who make it often say they are fleeing military conscription and other abuses. Eritrean government officials however dismiss charges claiming the number of migrants leaving Eritrea is insignificant and that many seeking asylum were lying. David Smith, Washington Correspondent of ‘The Guardian’ has reported extensively on the issue.