As Somalia’s capital tries to relax, security force weakens

War-weary Somalis are trying to relax and rebuild their country after decades of violence, but the homegrown Islamic extremists al-Shabab keep striking at the heart of its seaside capital, killing scores of people so far this year.

On Tuesday, a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden truck near the gate of the presidential palace, killing at least 12 people.

[...] the 22,000-strong African Union force protecting the country faces funding cuts and troop shortages, which experts say could further destabilize this Horn of Africa nation.

Somalia largely relies on the African peacekeeping force to maintain security, especially as the country prepares for a presidential election in October, a significant step toward normal life.

In another sign of confidence, Mogadishu next month will host a summit for heads of state with the regional bloc Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, the first such gathering in the country in over two decades.