ARTICLE4 Military Preparedness In order to effectively achieve the objectives of this Pact, State Parties shall individually and collectively, by means of continuous co operation and assistance, maintain and develop their individual and collective self-defence capacity to maintain peace, stability and security. ARTICLE 5 Consultation 1. Any State Party that considers its territorial integrity, political independence and security to be under threat from another State Party, shall consult with such other State Party first and then with the Organ. 2. Where such consultation does not yield satisfactory results the Chairperson of the Organ may constitute a joint verification mission to investigate the reported threat or alleged threat by a State Party. ARTICLE 6 Collective Self-Defence and Collective Action 1. An armed attack against a State Party shall be considered a threat to regional peace and security and such an attack shall be met with immediate collective action. 2. Collective action shall be mandated by Summit on the recommendation of the Organ. 3. Each State Party shall participate in such collective action in any manner it deems appropriate. 4. Any such armed attack, and measures aken in response thereto, shall immediately be reported to the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the Security Council of the United Nations. ARTICLE 7 Non-Interference 1. Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 11 (2) of the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, State Parties undertake to respect one another's territorial integrity and sovereignty and, in particular, observe the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of one another. 2. No action shall be taken to assist any State Party in terms of this Pact, save at the State Party's own request or with its consent, except where the Summit decides that action needs to be taken in accordance with the Protocol. ARTICLE 8 Destabilising Factors 3