According to Sudan Tribune, a rebel group from Ethiopia’s Benishangul Gumuz region, where Ethiopia is building a major dam on the Blue Nile has laid down its arms, the Ethiopian government said on Saturday.

Buses carrying hundreds of members of the Benishangul People’s Liberation Movement (BPLM) arrived at Benishangul Gumuz region where they were warmly welcomed by thousands of people.

BPLM and the Ethiopian government reached a peace agreement last year after rounds of negotiations that took over two years.

The deal was possible after the group agreed to fully accepted and abide by the constitution of the country and end its 17 years of armed struggle.

Members of the rebel group will not be prosecuted. They will also receive support from the government which will enable them to actively take part in the developmental activities of the region.