Rwanda Genocide POD

[Asp]

On April 6, 1994, President of Rwanda Juvénal Habyarimana and President of Burundi Cyprien Ntaryamira were killed when two missiles struck the plane they were riding in as it entered its landing approach in Kigali. The perpetrators of the attack have never been conclusively established.

POD: the unknown missile team's van gets into a car crash on the way to their firing positions near the airport. Everyone inside is killed. The plane lands without incident of any kind.

What are the effects?

 

[strangeland]

Another pretext for the genocide would have been found. Extensive preparations had already been made, and tensions were at a boiling point.

 

[Asp]

Another pretext for the genocide would have been found. Extensive preparations had already been made, and tensions were at a boiling point.

It made a very convenient and shocking catalyst for the genocide, though, and it allowed riots and killings to start very quickly.

Is it possible that if another pretext has to be found, greater central organization and planning will be needed, creating more of an opportunity for the West and the UN to recognize what was going on?

If that happens, perhaps the French send a para regiment to Kigali; they aren't too shy about intervening in the region. That could make a big difference.