The head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) is fighting off allegations of corruption, mismanagement, harassment and political interference.

An internal report by the African Union (AU) criticises Francisco Madeira for mistreating employees - including refusing to provide sanitary towels - using abusive language, hijacking Amisom donations to gain political mileage and taking sides in situations where the mission is expected to be neutral.

"Madeira has said several times that Amisom will remain neutral during political disputes between Somali politicians but this has not been matched by his actions," says a leaked report filed last week by the Amisom Mission cell analysis chief, Walters Samah.

"Madeira introduced an erratic management and leadership style, characterised by fear, suspicion, threats, corruption, favouritism, bullying and intimidation," the reported added, warning that if unchecked, the mission may fail to use its position to support the political process in Somalia.

Madeira has been the head of Amisom since January 2016 when he replaced Tanzanian diplomat Augustine Mahiga as the special representative of the AU chairperson to Somalia.