Comparative study of haemoglobin types of two populations of eastern Senegal--Bedik and Niokholonko

The haemoglobin types of 1487 of the East Senegal Bedik and Niokholonko populations have been studied. There are significant differences between them, the most likely explanation of which is that the populations are of different origins. The Bedik appear to be the most ancient known settlers in East Senegal: they possess only A and S haemoglobins. The Niolholonko came later, probably from Mali: they have a lower frequency of S genes but AC and AD phenotypes are also encountered among them.