South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has ordered the deployment of about 440 troops to maintain law and order in parliament for his annual state of the nation address tomorrow. <br/><br/>Opposition parties have condemned the decision as a declaration of war. Previous addresses by Mr Zuma have been marred by protests and brawls as opposition MPs demanded his resignation. <br/><br/>Mr Zuma has been dogged by corruption allegations for more than a decade. <br/><br/>A statement from the President's office released on Tuesday said Mr Zuma had authorised the deployment of soldiers to work with the police. It is the first time that troops will have a security rather than a ceremonial role.

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has ordered the deployment of about 440 troops to maintain law and order in parliament for his annual state of the nation address today. <br/><br/>Opposition parties have condemned the decision as a declaration of war. Previous addresses by Mr Zuma have been marred by protests and brawls as opposition MPs demanded his resignation. <br/><br/>Mr Zuma has been dogged by corruption allegations for more than a decade. A statement from the President's office released on Tuesday said Mr Zuma had authorised the deployment of soldiers to work with the police. <br/><br/>It is the first time that troops will have a security rather than a ceremonial role.