The purpose of this article is to examine the risks and opportunities of the political participation of FARC ex-combatants in Catatumbo (Norte de Santander, Colombia), as this is a Colombian region with a historical presence of this guerrilla and highly affected by the protracted war. In this context, this qualitative and quantitative analysis explores as main risks the presence of armed groups strongly linked to coca crops and the persistence of the armed conflict. In addition, the article identifies opportunities for FARC political participation by analyzing variables such as electoral dynamics from 2006 to 2016, and the presence of economic and political interests against the implementation of the peace agreement in that zone.