Somali government officials attended a well-organized event in the central town of Beletwein to welcome former insurgents, Radio Garowe reports.
Some 55 members of the Somali insurgent group, Hizbul Islam, declared that they have joined the Somali government and wish to work in Hiran region, next to the Ethiopian border.
Mr. Ahmed "Dheere" Omar, leader of the 55 men, said they wish to be part of the Somali interim government and help restore order in the chaotic Horn of Africa country.
Gen. Muktar Hussein Afrah, commander of Somali government forces in Hiran region, said he welcomes the new soldiers and urged more insurgents to join the government.
Somali insurgent factions Hizbul Islam and Al Shabaab are fighting to topple the country's UN-backed interim government, which is led by former Islamist insurgent President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed.