AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: Réunion’s road toll rose in 2025: 42 deaths, up 5% year-on-year, with men making up 90% of fatalities and ages 18–44 accounting for 57%. Motorcycle Crisis: Fifteen motorcyclists died in 2025—36% of all deaths—and their mortality rate jumped about 115% versus 2024, the highest level since 2007. Injury & Severity: 1,126 people were injured in total; 308 required hospitalization for more than 24 hours, while serious injuries fell by nearly 8%. Risk Factors: Alcohol is linked to 41% of road deaths, speeding to 28%, and drugs to 20%; most fatal crashes happen at night (64%). Prefecture Response: Early 2026 figures are already worrying—18 deaths and 685 injuries since the start of the year—prompting renewed enforcement targeting alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Climate & Health: A separate report warns that tropical cities, including places like Réunion, face worsening heat-island risks as El Niño 2026–2027 could heighten danger for vulnerable urban residents, especially where cooling infrastructure and vegetation are lacking.

Road Safety Update: Réunion recorded 42 traffic deaths in 2025, up 5% year-on-year, with men making up 90% of fatalities and ages 18–44 accounting for 57% of deaths; four children under 14 were also killed. Motorcycle Crisis: Fifteen motorcyclists died in 2025—36% of all deaths—with their mortality up about 115% versus 2024, the highest level since 2007. Injury and Risk Patterns: 1,126 people were injured in 2025, including 308 hospitalised for more than 24 hours; serious injuries fell by nearly 8%, but alcohol was implicated in 41% of fatal cases, speeding in 28%, and drugs in 20%, while night-time accounted for 64% of fatal accidents. Prefecture Response: Early 2026 figures show 18 deaths and 685 injuries so far, including 162 hospitalisations; the prefecture says it will intensify enforcement and prevention targeting alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Climate and Health Pressure: A separate report warns that tropical cities, including places like Réunion, face rising heat-island risks as warming and rapid urbanisation outpace cooling infrastructure, with a potential 2026–2027 El Niño expected to heighten danger for vulnerable urban residents.

Road Safety Update: Réunion recorded 42 road deaths in 2025, up 5% year-on-year, with men making up 90% of fatalities and ages 18–44 accounting for 57% of deaths; four children under 14 were also killed. Motorcycle Risk: Fifteen motorcyclists died in 2025—36% of all deaths—with their mortality up about 115% since 2024, the highest level since 2007. Injury and Seriousness: 1,126 people were injured in total; 308 required hospitalization for more than 24 hours, while serious injuries fell nearly 8%. Causes and Timing: Alcohol was implicated in 41% of fatal crashes, speeding in 28%, and drugs in 20%; 64% of fatal accidents happened at night. 2026 Early Figures: So far in 2026, 18 people have died and 685 have been injured, including 162 hospitalizations, prompting the prefecture to push harder on alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Urban Heat Watch: A separate report warns that tropical cities, including Reunion’s urban areas, face rising heat-island risks—worsened by rapid urbanisation and limited cooling infrastructure—especially with a potential 2026–2027 El Niño threatening vulnerable neighbourhoods.

Road Safety Update: Réunion’s 2025 toll rose to 42 road deaths (+5%), with men making up 90% of fatalities and ages 18–44 accounting for 57% of deaths; 1,126 people were injured, including 308 hospitalized for more than 24 hours, while serious injuries fell nearly 8%. Motorcycle Crisis: Fifteen motorcyclists died in 2025—36% of all deaths—with their mortality up about 115% versus 2024, the highest level since 2007. Risk Factors & Timing: Alcohol was implicated in 41% of fatal crashes, speeding in 28%, and drugs in 20%; nighttime accounted for 64% of fatal accidents. Prefecture Response: Early 2026 figures already show 18 deaths and 685 injuries (162 hospitalized), prompting the prefecture to intensify enforcement targeting alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Public Health & Climate: A separate report warns that tropical cities, including places like Réunion, struggle to afford cooling solutions as heat islands worsen under warming and a potential 2026–2027 El Niño, raising risks for vulnerable urban residents.

Public Health & Climate Risk: A new report warns that heat islands are becoming a bigger threat in tropical cities, where hot, humid conditions and fast-growing urban areas leave residents with too little cooling capacity—especially with a 2026–2027 El Niño looming. Road Safety in Réunion: Réunion recorded 42 road deaths in 2025 (+5%), with men making up 90% of fatalities and 18–44-year-olds the biggest share; motorcyclists remain hardest hit (15 deaths, 36% of all fatalities, up sharply vs 2024). Alcohol is linked to 41% of fatal crashes, speeding to 28%, and night-time accounts for 64% of fatal accidents; early 2026 figures already show 18 deaths and 685 injuries, prompting the prefecture to push harder on alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Civic Culture: The Resisting Mining Book Club is set to host Françoise Vergès to discuss Making the World Clean, focusing on mining waste, racial capitalism, and the politics of “cleaning” as a decolonial, feminist issue.

Road Safety in Réunion: New figures put 2025 traffic deaths at 42 (+5%), with men making up 90% of victims and ages 18–44 accounting for 57% of deaths; motorcyclists are the standout concern, with 15 deaths (36% of all fatalities) and a mortality rate up about 115% since 2024. Alcohol is linked to 41% of fatal crashes, speeding to 28%, and drugs to 20%, while night-time drives 64% of fatal accidents. Prefecture Action for 2026: Early 2026 data already shows 18 deaths and 685 injuries since the start of the year, prompting plans to intensify enforcement around alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Climate & Health Risk: A separate report warns that tropical cities are struggling to fund cooling measures against urban heat islands, as a strengthening 2026–2027 El Niño could push record temperatures higher—especially endangering poorer residents and people who work outdoors. Civic Culture: The Resisting Mining Book Club returns for a hybrid event with Françoise Vergès on Making the World Clean, focusing on how mining waste and racial capitalism shape access to clean water, shelter, and health.

Climate & Health: Tropical cities are bracing for a stronger 2026-2027 El Niño as urban heat islands intensify already brutal heat, with concrete and asphalt trapping warmth and delaying cooling—raising risks for the poor, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and outdoor workers; the report notes practical fixes like shade, green roofs and walls, lighter roofs, and better airflow, but stresses that many cities can’t afford full implementation. Road Safety: Réunion’s road toll remains high: 42 deaths in 2025 (+5%), with men making up 90% of fatalities and 18-44 the biggest share; motorcyclists are hit hardest (15 deaths, 36% of all deaths, up sharply vs 2024), alcohol is linked to 41% of fatal crashes, and night-time accounts for 64% of deaths; early 2026 figures already show 18 deaths and 685 injuries, prompting the prefecture to push harder on alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Civil Society & Environment: The Resisting Mining Book Club returns for 2026 with Françoise Vergès discussing Making the World Clean, linking mining waste and the politics of “cleaning” to racial and gendered inequality.

Road Safety in Réunion: New figures show 42 road deaths in 2025, up 5%, with men making up 90% of fatalities and ages 18–44 accounting for 57% of deaths; motorcyclists remain the standout concern (15 deaths, 36% of all fatalities, up about 115% vs 2024). Alcohol is cited in 41% of fatal crashes, speeding in 28%, and drugs in 20%, while night-time accounts for 64% of fatal accidents; early 2026 data already records 18 deaths and 685 injuries, prompting the prefecture to push harder on alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Public Health & Climate Risk: Separate coverage warns that urban heat islands are worsening health threats in tropical cities, where heat is trapped by concrete and asphalt and released slowly at night; with a strengthening 2026–2027 El Niño expected to bring record temperatures, the risk could spike for vulnerable residents unless cities can fund cooling measures like shade, green roofs, lighter surfaces, and better neighborhood alert systems. Civic Culture: A “Resisting Mining Book Club” event highlights Françoise Vergès’ work on how mining waste and racial capitalism shape unequal access to clean water, shelter, and health.

Road Safety in Réunion: New figures show 42 road deaths in 2025 (+5%), with men making up 90% of fatalities and 18–44-year-olds accounting for 57% of deaths; motorcyclists are hit hardest, with 15 deaths (36% of all fatalities) and a sharp rise in their mortality rate since 2007. Alcohol is linked to 41% of fatal crashes, speeding to 28%, and drugs to 20%, while night-time accounts for 64% of deaths; early 2026 data already records 18 deaths and 685 injuries, prompting the prefecture to push harder on alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Climate & Public Health: Separate coverage warns that urban heat islands are worsening health risks in tropical cities, where heat trapped by concrete and asphalt can linger for weeks—especially as a strengthening 2026–2027 El Niño threatens record temperatures; the reporting highlights practical cooling options like shade, green roofs, lighter surfaces, and better airflow, but stresses that many cities can’t afford full implementation. Civic Debate on Mining & Waste: A hybrid “Resisting Mining Book Club” event features Françoise Vergès discussing Making the World Clean, linking racialized politics to wasted environments and the denial of basic needs like clean water and health access.

Heat & Health Risk: Tropical cities are facing a sharper urban heat threat as heat islands trap daytime warmth and release it at night, and a strengthening 2026–2027 El Niño could push record temperatures higher—especially for poorer residents and people with limited access to cooling. Road Safety in Réunion: New figures show 42 road deaths in 2025 (+5%), with men making up 90% of fatalities and 18–44-year-olds representing 57% of deaths; motorcyclists remain hit hardest (15 deaths, 36% of all fatalities, up about 115% vs 2024). Alcohol is linked to 41% of fatal crashes, speeding to 28%, and night-time accounts for 64% of fatal accidents; early 2026 data already lists 18 deaths and 685 injuries, prompting the prefecture to intensify action on alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Community & Policy Debate: A Resisting Mining Book Club event features Françoise Vergès discussing “Making the World Clean,” tying mining waste and “racial capitalism” to broader questions of environmental harm and unequal access to clean water and health.

Road Safety Update: Réunion’s road toll remains stubbornly high: 42 deaths in 2025 (+5%), with men making up 90% of fatalities and ages 18–44 accounting for 57% of deaths; 1,126 people were injured, including 308 serious cases requiring hospitalization. Motorcyclists in Focus: The most alarming trend is for riders—15 motorcyclists died in 2025, 36% of all deaths, with their mortality up about 115% since 2024. Risk Factors: Alcohol is linked to 41% of road deaths, speeding to 28%, and drugs to 20%; nighttime is the deadliest period (64% of fatal accidents). Prefecture Response: Early 2026 figures already show 18 deaths and 685 injuries, including 162 hospitalizations, prompting plans to intensify enforcement and prevention targeting alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Public Debate & Policy Context: Separately, a Resisting Mining Book Club event highlights Françoise Vergès’ work on “wasted lives” and the politics of environmental harm, while another piece warns that urban heat islands can worsen deadly heat stress in tropical cities—an issue made harder by limited funding.

Road Safety Update: Réunion is projecting 42 road deaths in 2025, up 5% year-on-year, with men making up 90% of fatalities and ages 18–44 accounting for 57% of deaths; four children under 14 were also killed. Motorcycle Crisis: Motorcyclists remain the most at risk—15 deaths in 2025, 36% of all fatalities, with their mortality rate up about 115% since 2024 (highest since 2007). Risk Factors: Alcohol is linked to 41% of road deaths, speeding to 28%, and drugs to 20%; 64% of fatal crashes happen at night. 2026 Early Signals: So far in 2026, 18 people have died and 685 have been injured, including 162 hospitalizations, prompting the prefecture to intensify enforcement targeting alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Public Debate & Culture: Separate coverage highlights a hybrid “Resisting Mining Book Club” event with Françoise Vergès on racialized environmental harm, and a forum on Girmitiya memorials and reenactments across the diaspora.

Road Safety Update: Réunion is projecting 42 road deaths in 2025, up 5% year-on-year, with men making up 90% of fatalities and ages 18–44 accounting for 57% of deaths; motorcyclists are the standout concern, with 15 deaths (36% of all fatalities) and a mortality rate up about 115% since 2024. Alcohol is linked to 41% of road deaths, speeding to 28%, and drugs to 20%, while night-time accounts for 64% of fatal crashes. Prefecture Response: Early 2026 figures already show 18 deaths and 685 injuries (162 hospitalizations), prompting renewed enforcement against alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Public Health Context: A wider look at tropical cities warns that urban heat islands can worsen heat stress—especially as El Niño strengthens—raising risks for vulnerable residents. Culture & Memory: A forum on Girmitiya indentured Indian diaspora highlights how monuments and re-enactments help communities in Réunion and beyond preserve identity and collective memory. Regional Drug Politics (Mauritius): An editorial on Mauritius’ drug crisis follows the arrest of Gulshan Govind and the resignation of Junior Minister Véronique Leu-Govind, stressing rule-of-law safeguards while calling for a broader strategy.

Road Safety Watch: Réunion’s 2025 road toll rose to 42 deaths (+5%), with men making up 90% of fatalities and ages 18–44 accounting for 57% of deaths; 1,126 people were injured and 308 needed hospital care for more than 24 hours, while serious injuries fell nearly 8%. Motorcycle Crisis: Motorcyclists remain the most at risk—15 deaths, 36% of all fatalities, and a mortality rate up about 115% since 2024 (not seen since 2007). Risk Factors: Alcohol was linked to 41% of road deaths, speeding to 28%, and drugs to 20%; nighttime accounted for 64% of fatal accidents. 2026 Early Signals: In 2026 so far, 18 people have died and 685 have been injured (162 hospitalized), prompting the prefecture to intensify enforcement against alcohol, drugs, speeding, and phone use while driving. Regional Context: Separate coverage highlights broader debates on heat risk in tropical cities, and cultural memory across the Girmitiya indentured Indian diaspora, including Réunion. Mauritius Drug Politics: Mauritius’ drug crisis is back in focus after the arrest of Gulshan Govind, with questions raised about political responsibility and safeguards; the junior minister involved resigned and is being questioned.

Drug Policy & Accountability: Mauritius’ drug crisis is back in the spotlight after the arrest of Gulshan Govind, husband of former Junior Minister Véronique Leu-Govind, with questions raised about possible misuse of her official vehicle and phone; she resigned and is now facing police questioning, while an editorial urges a careful, rule-of-law approach so the fight doesn’t turn into media-driven opportunism. Public Health & Cities: A new look at urban heat islands warns that tropical cities can’t always afford the fixes—shade, green roofs, lighter surfaces, and cooling infrastructure—just as stronger El Niño conditions threaten record temperatures, putting vulnerable residents at higher risk. Heritage & Memory: An online programme on Girmitiya indentured Indian diaspora explored how monuments, memorials, and re-enactments shape collective memory across places including Réunion, highlighting cultural resilience and identity transmission. Mining, Waste & Power: A Resisting Mining Book Club event with Françoise Vergès will discuss Making the World Clean, linking mining waste to racial and gendered politics of “cleaning” and the broader struggle over who bears environmental harm.

Public Safety & Accountability: Mauritius’ drug crisis is back in the spotlight after the arrest of Gulshan Govind, husband of former Junior Minister Véronique Leu-Govind, with questions raised about whether her official vehicle and phone were used; she resigned and is now facing police questioning, while the editorial stresses the need to keep the fight grounded in the rule of law rather than media-driven politics. Reunion-Relevant Climate Health: Tropical cities are struggling to cool down as urban heat islands intensify hot-humid conditions, and the coming 2026–2027 El Niño could push temperatures to dangerous levels—especially for the poor, the elderly, people with disabilities, and outdoor workers—highlighting the funding gap for shade, green roofs, and other cooling measures. Culture & Memory in the Indian Diaspora: A forum on monuments and re-enactments in the Girmitiya indentured Indian diaspora explored how memorial sites and performances shape collective memory across places including Réunion, linking heritage, identity, and cultural resilience. Mining, Waste, and Power: A Resisting Mining Book Club event with Françoise Vergès discussed “decolonial cleaning” and how racial and gendered politics determine who bears the costs of wasted land, bodies, and resources.