2. Where an existing agreement is inconsistent with this Pact, the State Parties concerned shall take steps to amend the agreement accordingly. 3. This Pact shall not derogate from the State Parties’ rights and obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union and relevant treaties and conventions concerning human rights and international humanitarian law. 4. This Pact shall not derogate from the responsibility of the United Nations Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security. Article 16 Signature This Pact shall be signed by duly authorised representatives of State Parties to the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Article 17 Ratification This Pact shall be subject to ratification by the signatory States in accordance with their respective constitutional procedures. Article 18 Accession This Pact shall remain open for accession by any State Party to the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. 80