JIGJIGA (Sunatimes)- At least 30 armed fighters from ONLF Ethiopian rebel group in the Somali self-governing regions of Ethiopia have surrendered to the Ethiopian government, in an attempt to slow down the abating violence in the region, sources told Sunatimes over the weekend.

According to rebel sources, the defected men in possession of armoured vehicles led by some of their commanders have joined to Ethiopia army in Jigjiga.

 Reports indicate that their defections came following ongoing talks between the two sides.

A spokesman for the ONLF who is in Qatar has denied the report, saying it is members of the Western Somalia Rebel Group that have surrendered to the Ethiopians.

No comments could be reached from Ethiopia government confirming the surrender.

These two rebel groups have been fighting the Ethiopian government since 1984 to ensure that liberation of the Somali regional state in Ethiopia from the Addis Ababa administration.

Fighting between the Somali rebel groups and Ethiopian force has resulted in the killing of many civilians on both sides. The regions being fought over are still administratively under the control of the Addis Ababa administration.

[email protected]