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Firstly I want to inform the audience that I am a black African. I lived and worked in several African countries. In understand African culture and Africans are right to cherish their heritage…a heritage that encourages respect and care for the elderly, love among siblings, service to the community, hard work and etcetera. Respect, love and civility have no boundaries. This means we are to respect those that don’t look like us or behave like us. Xenophobic, homophobic, ethnocentric or racist comments on this blog don’t portray the African heritage I know and cherish. How can we as a people continue to neglect our responsibilities and continue to blame others for the ills of our societies? We negate the fact that Africa is worse of today than it was half a century ago when colonialism was swept out. Our societies are criminalized and impunity reins. The fibers of society are disintegrating. Governments no longer respond to its citizenry and citizens no longer hold their government accountable. Disease and poverty found permanent residence. We are oblivious to our plight and think that is the way thing should be. We feel no sense of guilt but are eager to point fingers. With pandemonium on a panoramic scale on the continent, people turn to lose sight on the real issues. Madonna adopting a child no longer becomes a single family issue. Government or governments get involve. It becomes a sidetrack to distract us from the every day reality of life in Africa. I’m by no means saying that a government shouldn’t care where her citizens end up. On the contrary, I’m advocating care in totality. Care about disease, corruption, poverty and education. We should care about a functioning society. In fact, Madonna’s adopting an African child can only help the child escape the object poverty that most African children confront. Chronic starvation in childhood will impair functions in adulthood. Madonna is doing more good than ill. If we don’t radically change our societies, I’m afraid that the circle of low productivity and imbecility will stand out. JJ

If Madonna is deemed to be fully ready to take care of this child she,ll definitely be granted the right to adopt her,if the judge,s view is to the contrary he must have seen something to say no.On the other hand, we vehemently oppose the granting of adoptions of African children to those who think it,s normal for a man to marry a man or a woman to do same,stay off African children,go adopt children from Europe or........

GOOD LUCK TO U MADDONA!!! wish mugga the mugger could do the same cross the colour line- AND CHANGE HIS WAY OF THINKING but he will not!! as u can see the NEGATIVE COMMENTS COMING OUT FROM HARARE zanuland!!!!

I happy for the little girl. This is what will happen if a country is unable to take care of their vulnerable innocent children, other people will put you to shame and take care of them. GOD BLESS YOU MADONNA To those Madonna critics have you seen the girl's father speak, he has not seen her all her life and out of the blue he goes on about how he want to take care of his babby. The man sounds like a retard..The mother, may her soul rest in peace is dead, and the sperm donor of a father was not there for her, Madonna well done..

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@mugabe you are the "retard" to justify a man that did not bother to take care of his child or see his child in the orpanage then the minute someone comes to give her an opportunity he jumps at the chance of getting some air time. You are certainly a fool and a hipocrite, I am certain you are writing from Europe/America or Asia or have family in Europe/America or Asia but yet you wish the little girl to be deprived the opportunity to getting a better life..YOU ARE TRUELY A SAD CREATURE

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This post was deleted because it contravenes AllAfrica's commenting guidelines.

Omadogsbollocks, You and your racism is not wanted, believe you me , you are a disgrace to the name of Africa.

Another lost so-called 'judge' who understand nothing of Law, Order & Integrity of a nation!

First the evil european devils smash African societies and culture, scatter its people, and then the wicked witches return to play 'white saviors'. And sleeping Africans allow the devils to get away with their centuries of treachery against African people. For shame!

If the evil europeans could mean well, they would SEND MONEY! Return STOLEN AFRICAN WEALTH; so that Africans can continue to care for their children, as they have been doing for thousands of generations -- long before there were europeans on the planet!

Only a lost, foolish, ignorant and self-loathing judge would allow Africa's children to the clutches of white witches. These are creatures with a history of destruction against African people. There can be NO trusting of Africa's children to such divisive and destructive devils! For shame! That so-called 'judge' should be ostracized! And the worthless white witch should be sent packing.

One more African child will grow to become come confused as to its real identity!

I commend the judge's decision against Madonna's request to adopt a Malawian baby girl. Madonna's motives for adopting "poor" African babies might be rooted in her selfish religious beliefs in Kabballa. It might be that adopting poor children from a poor African country is one of the tennets of attaining to a higer ellevation in the religious sect. Please do not get me wrong, I am not against the principles of adoption,just not in par with the selfish motives of so called "money bags" celebrities, who crave for publicity. If any celebrity really care for the poor children of this world (not only africans), it is my view that they establish some sort of educational or health programme, in that part of the world, to help the so called "poor children" to have a meaningful life, within their cultural confines. If "money bags" celebrities of this world genuinely want to help the poor people of africa, it could be done quietley, in order not to attract so much media attention. We all know that celebrities crave for media attention ever so endlessly that they will go to any lent to get it. I'm sick and tired of watching repeatedely charities organisation's adverts on tv channells, begging for money to help the poor Africans get out of poverty. These adverts are creating negative notions in the minds of white people in the west and eastern europe, that all africans are poor. There was this situation recently, where a white eight-years old girl, told her black classmate, in graphic detail, how she and her white parents believe that Africans are poor and unhealthy people. This white girl concluded her lecture by saying that her family is doing thier part to help by contibuting money to charity organisations. These adverts are sending out negative vibes in the minds of growing children both white and black. African continent and Africans are always portrayed in the western media as poor and wretched,jungle so to say. We all know that Africa has been and will be the subject of exploitation, by europeans for over two hundred years.

The New Celebrity Colonialist like Mad-ddona needed to be reminded that, Malawi does have rules and regulations, whicvh everybody must follow. Otherwise, use of her money to buy lawyer's or jugde is corruption. Her aim of trying to circumvent the law, is about her and the not the best interest of the child. If she had the best interest of the child-she would have been sepaking to the extended relatives and asking them how she could help them be there for the child. She should be less arrogant, less direspectful and less selfish. After all, her children are cared by a host of nannies and assistants. Cifondo, like David would loose his ability to sepak ith his relatives. Whether europeans arrive to fill their shopping baskets with children, diamonds, oil, plants, or animals-ythey Africans are loosing. I do spspnor 3 mall girls from Lipunga and I know the sittuation for most families is desperate but, Mad-ddona's attitude towards Malawians is even more disturbing. Mad-ddonna would not befriend or speak with African Americans so, why do things abroad,which she does do either in America or Italy ? African American Children in Harlem nd Southern USA are just as poor as most children in Africa-what is doing to help them?

I commend the judge's decision against Madonna's request to adopt a Malawian baby girl. Madonna's motives for adopting "poor" African babies might be rooted in her selfish religious beliefs in Kabballa. It might be that adopting poor children from a poor African country is one of the tennets of attaining to a higer ellevation in the religious sect. Please do not get me wrong, I am not against the principles of adoption,just not in par with the selfish motives of so called "money bags" celebrities, who crave for publicity. If any celebrity really care for the poor children of this world (not only africans), it is my view that they establish some sort of educational or health programme, in that part of the world, to help the so called "poor children" to have a meaningful life, within their cultural confines. If "money bags" celebrities of this world genuinely want to help the poor people of africa, it could be done quietley, in order not to attract so much media attention. We all know that celebrities crave for media attention ever so endlessly that they will go to any lent to get it. I'm sick and tired of watching repeatedely charities organisation's adverts on tv channells, begging for money to help the poor Africans get out of poverty. These adverts are creating negative notions in the minds of white people in the west and eastern europe, that all africans are poor. There was this situation recently, where a white eight-years old girl, told her black classmate, in graphic detail, how she and her white parents believe that Africans are poor and unhealthy people. This white girl concluded her lecture by saying that her family is doing thier part to help by contibuting money to charity organisations. These adverts are sending out negative vibes in the minds of growing children both white and black. African continent and Africans are always portrayed in the western media as poor and wretched,jungle so to say. We all know that Africa has been and will be the subject of exploitation, by europeans for over two hundred years.

When little Chifundo James grows up and learns of how life could have been for her she will absolutely despise the Malawian government for depriving her of such a privileged life, she’ll probably end up moving to America anyway (if she can afford to).

A wise decision by the Malawi judge; although he could have made his argument much stronger: "SEND MONEY, if you really care!" That should be the definitive legal argument to the historical KIDNAPPERS of Africans! This evil European kidnapping of African children from their indigenous 'root's have been going on for centuries in many disguises. Africans are very experienced in raising their own children AT HOME! After all, Africans have been raising their own children SUCCESSFULLY for thousands of generations. Most Africans in the West are living as 'second class' citizens, even though their ancestors were ALSO kidnapped by wicked Westerners many generations ago. Return stolen African wealthy, and see Africans take best care of Africa's children IN AFRICA -- THEIR HOME!

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When will some Africans wake the hell up, and kick out these wicked white witches? African children ARE NOT animals, for whom cultural identity is not that important for their existence. First the evil Europeans disrupt, destabilize and destroy Africa indigenous cultures. Then these evil witches enter to further destroy the African identity of the children.j We know these white witches to be evil and UNHELPFUL to Africa's children; because if they were helpful, they would know to leave the children within their indigenous culture and SEND MONEY so that the children can grow up with a healthy mind within their own cultural setting. Again, SEND MONEY instead. Return stolen African wealth and resources and stop the evil interference; and Africans will be just fine, as they have been for thousands of generations before there was even a single European on the planet! SEND MONEY, so that Africans can take care of their own African children. Hopefully these African children will grow up to destroy those wicked white witches who seek to remove them from their indigenous cultural settings.

All intelligent-feeling people-of every nation and origin is with you on this one. Madonna is a 'self' satisfying creature who can only exist where SHE CONTROLS ALL. That is NOT a worthy Mother for Mercy - regardless. Money CAN buy Madonna - love - except from men she chooses to marry - they all give up.. lest we forget : she CHOSE Lourdes' father for his - looks - he wwas only a sperm donor-but rejected him as 'husband' material. Madonna is a nazi on those terms. She wants African Children at this critical point in her credibility ratings - as Trophy acquisitions - she is very insulting on those terms. I am glad the Judge showed Wisdom on this - and I hope it stays that way. Madonna is ruthless and left many used-abused people on the trail behind her - bad fortune follows wherever she lands - that is why she wants to bolster her image with the purchase of another African Child. If she cared one iota for Africa and African Peoples - she could afford to just give over $20 million - and fly in a few times every year to help MANY People - thus adopting them with her heart and gestures-and thereby gain the real love and respect of MILLIONS. She loves money. She loves power. She is too small for an idea like that. So, for Africa to provide world press with a headline that says : Judge says NO MERCY for Madonna - is a great and Godlike gesture. Eve - a white woman from London - Profession : Education/ fringe theatre.

Omugabe yeah right who in their right mind will send money to a bunch of corrupt Africans and well Malawi is all over the news for stealing money yeah I will put a check in the mail tomorrow, LOL do not hold your breath see I live here and know your ways very well. If you are able to take care of your own children then why are you wanting the West to send money to raise them????? No you fool corrupt people as yourself want the money not to help the children but to help yourselves go get a job and earn your money and stop begging the rest of the world to take care of you because you are lazy. I am not saying this child should be adopted by Madonna by no means but people such as yourself well is just sad... All you are doing is name calling then holding out your hand and begging for money from the West do not wait too long...

Omugabe you just said the same thing your had already said earlier and who said anything as treating African children like animals but you, but all over the world people adopt children, many because they are unable to have their own children but whatever the reason you are clueless and your comment proves your ignorance and hatred toward whites. You alone destabilize your own countries so trust me I watch it daily you do not need any help from the West to do that. By the way yes I am repeating myself here GET A JOB AND STOP BEGGING THE WEST TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR LAZY BUM!

Please, please, please, to all of you, have you ever been in Malawi? Do you know how many frail grand mothers that are looking after grand children left being by their parents gone forever, and how many of these are out their in almost every village in Malawi? How many orphanages that are dotted across Malawi with few resources, nor some one to show love to these kids or do you know Malawi as a country and the people, the poverty in this small country?

I am a Malawian who was brought to North America in 1985 by a Canadian Samaritan, received education via a an individual sponsorship. When I left Malawi my future was absolutely questionable, example would be all my friends I left behind who are all diseased and all my brothers and relatives who as well mostly at my age are about 95% gone. Majority left children behind being looked after by grand parents and relatives. I have responsibility of 16 children that I send to school as I am writing. Without the opportunity I received by way of the education and the opportunity to reside and work in North America, I am not sure what would have happened to these kids. For the first time in 11 years I went to visit Malawi just December 2008 came back January this year; what I saw was desperation and poverty that was a cultural shock to me, partly is my ascent from the country for too long. I witnessed with my own eyes what I said in the first paragraph within my own immediate family, extended family and every village I visited and every where I went.

Despite your dislike of Madonna or her past or what the media portray her, understand the reality of the landscape or the fabric of Malawi. The point is, if there were bid star or wealthy people like Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Oprah Winfrey, this Malawi we are talking about along with other poor countries, the world would be a better place for all. One must understand that since Madonna landed in Malawi, she has invested her own resources, millions raised funds for Malawi, has build shelters and establish education institution, these contributions has given opportunity for employment that is very much needed in a country where there is about 80% unemployment.

Why are you so critical of Madonna to what she is doing, what about these others I mentioned above? Is it because of Malawi as a country...!

Malawi people are extremely hard working people but there are no jobs

If I were some kid in an orphanage, I'd want pretty much anybody to adopt me, regardless of the color of their skin or their culture. However, like most people, Madonna just makes me sick.

I am a celebrity and I want to adopt a poor African child. But why are people so repulsed? http://africa-onecountryaweek.blogspot.com/

I got to thinking about this issue a few days ago after reading a status message on a friend’s Facebook page that read, “I'm not sure how I feel about this whole "I'm so rich I'm going to adopt a poor African child" thing.” Today another friend’s read, “Madonna: please leave the African orphans alone..you worthless attention seeker, u are doing the world no good with your publicity stunts..clean up ur marital mess before bringing innocent african kids into ur home...”

Some people, at least a few of my friends, have a basic knee-jerk repulsive reaction, or as some ethicists have described, “yuck factor ” response to the news of Madonna wanting to adopt yet another poor African orphan. With the media flurry fanning flames of controversy, we itch for glimpses into the many unanswered and unanswerable questions. What is Madonna true motive? Is she simply yearning for some attention? Does she really care? The list of questions is unending. However, the bottom line is that we find it difficult to shake the thoughts of imbalance of power, class, socioeconomic and racial categories that the scenario evokes. Madonna, a rich white western celebrity wants to adopt a poor black African orphan.

The yuckiness expressed by my two friends, both of African decent, is most certainly not universal. I suspect the initial reaction people have to this scenario is dictated by what side of this divide they most relate with. I think exploring the reasons for our initial responses in greater depth and considering empirical information may lead to reconsidering our previously held positions.

Here are some simple basic facts. There are millions of orphan in Africa today, many of whom have lost both parents. The traditional systems of families and communities taking on the responsibility for orphans have in recent times been threatened by the HIV/AIDS. Millions of children are left alone to care for themselves and siblings, and some are privileged to be housed in orphanages. Orphanages are usually under-resourced, understaffed and teeming with children. I need not continue spouting statistics and cliches; but my point is that the reality for so many children is life in despicable situations. Some would say, "But can such children not have some level of happiness and satisfaction in their lives?" They absolutely can; the human spirit has a way of making do with whatever life/fate brings.

However, I have a very difficult time justifying depriving such a child of a chance of having a better life. I think having the luxury of stable meals, attention of care givers, and education, to say the least, qualifies as a 'better life.' Adoption is the least terrible of the few options available to these children. Irrespective of the dodgy motives of Madonna or any other adopting parent, I think the best interest of the child should be the ultimate trump card.

I am certainly not advocating for the removal of kids from poor families simply because they would have a better life in a richer one. The calculation is, however, a whole lot simpler when you talk of orphans with virtually no other options.

http://africa-onecountryaweek.blogspot.com/

Is this not a lesson for African governments to get their act together and distribute the wealth of the continent evenly so what from my point of view god bless madonna for bringing down a cultural barrier and adopting a child from another community i am wondering if ANY RICH BLACK (dont take it as racist when i say this) will do likewise and adopt a child from another community - there are lessons to be learnt

I have seen i rich black adopting a white child from some European country. This was in Zambia where i saw this white child i could believe it.Anyhow it happened.I dont see a problem whether one who adopts is an African or European what asian.Whats important is giving a child/children a life they would never have lived,In the sense of a positve and better life.

Madonna is Patron to our organisation so I came across your article by chance. Well done, it's a comprehensive article covering the many points that the public may be thinking.

But am always astounded how people around the world would rather make negative judgements about Madonna than to see her positive humanitarian spirit.

I have yet come across any article condemming her involvement in the Malawian Orphanage yet the adoption of both children brings about a mountain of attacks on her integrity. She simply wants to give love, care and an opportunity to those less fortunate.

Surely it is harder for someone like Madonna who is very financially sound to adopt and bring up 2 children for a lifetime than to fund an orphanage. She is wearing her heart on her sleeve and by adopting she is also highlighting the plight of many children througout Africa. She is creating a great awareness of a desparate situation which might encourage others to do the same by adopting a child.

Please will people stop condemning her and embrace what she is trying to do.

Robert Lee Founder The Climate Change Challenge http://www.climatechangechallenge.org

I do not wish to condemn what is going on, or to make value judgements and speculate on what I think Madonna's intentions may or may not be. However, there is an aspect that this issue brings to light.

Projects and ideas spread through and by the media in the name of humanitarianism that claim to "rescue" not only people but whole countries like Malawi have taken away agency from the people in the country itself. Malawi has been framed as a country that "has four things in abundance: AIDS, malaria, drought and tobacco (its major crop)" although Malawi is redeemed partially in the article published by Time as "[i]t also has a functioning democracy and little conflict." (Belinda Luscombe, 2006, "Exclusive: Madonna speaks about her 'Big, Big Project'" http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1222449,00.html)

Madonna's ideas to "raise Malawi" are to be praised, yet as far as I am aware or have heard, there has been little consideration, mention or inclusion of Malawians who have had privileged upbringings in terms of access to education and want to invest in the country with their time, money and skills. Perhaps, it appears to an onlooker that these Malawians have been ineffective so far, but is this not the way Malawi has been framed. How many people know much more about Malawi than the horrendous statistics quoted by "experts"? I am one of those Malawians who has had an excellent education and I intend to play my part in Malawi. It is time that the media, well-meaning celebrities as well as projects in the name of humanitarianism, however noble the cause, turn from side lining us in debates about Malawi's past, present and future.