Cameroonian political analyst Dr David Makongo has challenged opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary to move the national conversation beyond the familiar debate over whether Cameroon should remain a unitary state or return to federalism. “Cameroon needs a new national identity, not another political label,” Makongo declared. “The real challenge before us is not choosing between a unitary system and a federal system, but creating a nation where every Cameroonian feels equally valued, protected and represented.” While federalism has been proposed as one possible response, Makongo maintained that no constitutional system would succeed without justice, accountability and a shared commitment to citizenship. “The greatest challenge facing Cameroon is not the structure of government—it is the structure of our national consciousness,” he said.