Having been called up to Cameroon squad on two occasions, Makoun finally made his Cameroon debut, where he started the whole game, in a 0–0 draw against Japan on 19 November 2003. Two months later, Makoun was called up to the national squad to be part of the Cameroonian 2004 African Nations Cup team. He made his debut in the tournament, starting a match and playing 75 minutes before being substituted, as Cameroon won 5–3 against Zimbabwe. Cameroon went on to finish at the top of its group in the first round of competition before failing to secure qualification for the semi-finals.