Many indigenous African tribes practised fetishism and magic involving the most ghastly atrocities, a few still do. Aggression and hostility between rival groups resulting in brutal and tragic massacres were common, and still occur. Traditions in childbirth practices and 'curing' diseases resulted in countless deaths (and still do) While not necessarily harming their environment, these indigenous peoples are NOT necessarily the innocent Children of Eden one might think. The coming of the Europeans, admittedly with their own agenda of commercial gain and religious Christian and Muslim fervour, has at least benefitted to a great extent the daily lives of the population. I know this for a fact as I have travelled about Africa and seen it for myself.