Abstract

Forensic genetics is an indispensable tool in forensic analysis that uses genetic evidence in crime investigation and/or identification of missing individuals or victims of mass disaster. It is highly reliable and can be used to substantiate evidence to prove the guilt or innocence of a suspect in question. There is paucity of data on African forensic DNA profiling. This is partly due to lack of funding and expertise. Moreover, there are very limited forensic genetic commercial kits that incorporate markers that are specific for African populations, markers that will provide highly specific information on the African Y-STR markers. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to consolidate the published Y-STR data of African population for forensic and population genetic reference. The review presents the Y-haplotype and genetic diversity of African male population. The review dissects the data into different regions of the African continent, viz., the Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western and Central African regions.

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