The Role of Diaspora Nigerians in Financing and Mediating Conflicts in the South East

This study examines the dual role of Nigerian diaspora communities, particularly those from the South East geopolitical zone, in both financing political conflicts and mediating peace outcomes in their home communities. Diaspora actors represent a significant but ambivalent force in conflict dynamics, capable of both fuelling conflict through financial remittances to conflict parties and contributing to peace through mediation, development investments, and peace advocacy. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 40 Igbo diaspora community leaders in the United Kingdom and United States, supplemented by interviews with 20 community leaders and civil society members in Enugu, Imo, and Anambra states conducted via video call. The theoretical framework draws from diaspora and conflict theory and the peacebuilding across borders framework. Findings indicate that diaspora engagement in South East conflict is characterised by high ambiguity, with the same networks capable of directing funds toward political violence and toward reconciliation initiatives, often simultaneously. Diaspora mediation is most effective where individuals have credible standing in both the host country and the home community and can bridge resource and information gaps. Recommendations include developing structured diaspora engagement frameworks for South East state peacebuilding programs, creating diaspora-government mediation partnership models, and establishing diaspora conflict sensitivity guidelines to reduce inadvertent financing of political violence. Keywords: diaspora, conflict financing, South East Nigeria, mediation, peacebuilding.