A steady decline in the operational environment in Darfur has characterized the first quarter of 2009, according to U.N. reports. The U.N. noted that intense military confrontations resulting in the displacement of more than 42,000 people from South Darfur to North Darfur, followed by the expulsion and dissolution of 16 international and national humanitarian relief organizations significantly impeded humanitarian operations. Subsequently, a joint U.N.-GNU assessment determined that humanitarian agencies could address existing short-term service disruptions, but highlighted the need for measures to ensure the bridging of service gaps in a sustainable manner. The U.N. and the GNU plan to jointly monitor the situation until the end of May.