TheCable

For the first time since losing the March 28 presidential election, President Goodluck Jonathan has made an official trip out of the country.

On Friday, he visited Ibrahim Keita, his Malian counterpart, in Bamako, capital of the country.

In 2012, Jonathan played a prominent role in the resolution of the crisis in the landlocked West African country following a military coup.

Nigeria sent 1,200 troops to assist Mali in dislodging insurgents and restoring democratic rule.

Although Jonathan has met with leaders of different foreign countries after the poll, he has not left the shores of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the outgoing president has continued to receive accolades for his decision to concede the election.

On Thursday, President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic, described him as a good example to leaders across the world.

“To us, the election was very transparent and peaceful and coming back, he took a wonderful decision by a great statesman by calling his challenger to congratulate him even before the final result was released,” he said.

“Usually, in Africa, it is rare. He gave us very good example of democracy, not only in our sub-region, not only in Africa, but also in the whole world.”