Will Brangelina Save African Nation?
May 31, 2006 — -- Most Americans probably don't know much about the African nation of Namibia, except that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had their brand new baby, Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, there on Saturday.
The baby is now considered Namibian for life.
Two months ago, the Hollywood star couple touched off a media frenzy when they arrived in the country, a young democracy located between Angola and South Africa.
There are no public photographs of Shiloh yet. Her parents reportedly plan to sell the first photos of the child for as much as $5 million and give the money to charity.
Hopelonge Ipinge, the Namibian ambassador to the United States, told ABC News that officials had been happy to help the couple by arresting and even deporting intrusive paparazzi.
"They were just given protection in terms of the security not for someone to intrude in their privacy," Ipinge said. "They need to be protected."
Namibians say they have a deep cultural respect for privacy, but many are thrilled by all the publicity.
"For once they can have the peace and quiet that they need," Constance Mann said.
Namibia, with a population of 2 million, has serious crises with poverty and HIV.
Two days after Shiloh's birth, the Jolie-Pitts donated more than $300,000 to a school and two hospitals.
Jolie has long been enamored with Africa since she served as a United Nations goodwill ambassador for refugees.
"I'd love to see Africa flourish," she said. "It's magnificent and has so, so much hope. So much possibility."
Namibians are hoping the stars will help pave the way for a tourist boom, and they have considered Shiloh's birth a special day for the nation.
"We marked it in the history of Namibia," Ipinge said.
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