Malawi responds to Madonna adoption report

The Malawian government has responded to reports that Madonna is considering adopting a second child from the country.

According to the Malawi Nation newspaper, the singer is thinking about giving adopted son David a Malawian sibling but will only continue with her plans if she has the support of the public.

However, a spokesperson for the ministry of child and women development told AFP that any efforts to win over the locals would be fruitless because the decision will ultimately rest with the courts.

"It's not pre-conceived," said Cyrus Jeke. "A high court judge must be convinced about the adoption."

The government previously came under fire for supporting Madonna's adoption of David Banda, which was finalised last year, because the star was not a Malawian citizen and had not resided in the country for the usual one-year period required by law.