Migration from Sub-Saharan Africa to Europe: Reasons, sources of information and perception of German engagement

Abstract

The European perception of flight and migration is strongly influenced by the idea that people travel to the destination countries because of violence, poverty and lack of prospects as well as being led by the positive impression of better living conditions in the destination countries. However, are these factors enough to adequately explain the steadily growing waves of refugees and migrants? This study investigates this question and presents further reasons recorded in conversations with people wanting to migrate in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to the classic reasons, migration is described as a success story that induces many young people to pursue this journey due to the great social pressure on them. A crucial role is played by the belief of possibly being one of the few chosen ones to succeed in a foreign country despite and precisely because of their knowledge about the risks of irregular migration and the frequently miserable living conditions of many migrants. The author concludes that against this backdrop the Eurocentric interests that manifest themselves in the current visa and integration policies are to be scrutinized.