Program > By author > Moussouni Abellatif

The Maghreb was the ground of the most extraordinary and complex civilizations of the Mediterranean basin, still giving rise today to a great enthusiasm for the study of the history of its populations and the human settlement of the various neighbouring regions. Due to the diversity of its ethnic groups and the quality of its deposits, it has also become a privileged center of interest for research on the origins of human being and his ancestors.

Data from genetic analyses of genomes from ancient and contemporary populations in North Africa highlight both a very high degree of genetic heterogeneity and a complexity of human movements.

This communication aims to take stock of knowledge on the genetic history of Algerians within North African populations by gathering the most important published results related to mt DNA and Y-chromosome analysis.

These results revealed a strong genetic relationship between studied North African populations (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia). Such evident genetic affinity between North African populations, also proved by the use of other powerful autosomal markers, agrees with historic data considering North African populations as having similar origins.

Comparative analysis of Maghrebian and Mediterranean genomic sequences shows a pre-neolithic genetic structure represented by northern maternal lines in the present Maghreb individuals, particularly Algerian and Moroccan with a significant Eurasian component and a small substantial contribution from sub-Saharan Africa. This typically Mediterranean genetic profile, similar to that of prehistoric individuals from the same geographical area, thus confirms long-term genetic continuity in the region and reinforces prehistoric migrations in the Maghreb from the Levant and Europe.

The analysis indicated also a genetic link between North African populations (Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco) and the populations of the South-Western Europe particularly the Basques and Spaniards. This would reflect a Neolithic relationship between Iberians and the natives of North Africa (the Berbers).