Africa's (and the World's) population started with colonialism. The abolishment of in-fighting stemmed the tide of genocide. A good thing on paper, and indeed good if you are the "clan" being cleansed. Not so good for population growth.

Big, bloody, ugly, protracted War's work just about the best for a global population problem. Small ethnic skirmishs work okay and can really add up the body count fast. With so many global relief groups (heck, I am part of the problem, I do mission work) nowadys, these are quelled pretty fast. Famine, AIDs, Malaria, water bourne disease...........just don't make the numbers to stem the tide.

Don't just point to the African continent, we are doing a fair job here in the States. India and China are holding there own. Malaysia and South America are certainly doing fine, population growth wise, as well.