AbstractDuring the AMMA campaign, the Doppler and polarimetric radar Ronsard was deployed in Kopargo, Benin. In the present paper, three squall lines sampled during that period are described. It was the first time this type of system had been observed with a polarimetric radar in the West African region. The strongest case occurred on 28 July 2006, and the others on 12 September and 30 June. The polarimetric characteristics of these systems are described and a hydrometeor classification algorithm is applied in order to identify the microphysics of the systems. Finally, the 3D wind field is retrieved for the 28 July event. The convective part of the squall lines is generally characterized by maxima of reflectivity, differential reflectivity (ZDR), and specific differential phase (KDP). The results of the hydrometeor classification show that the convective region is composed of strong (>30 mm h−1) to moderate rain (5–30 mm h−1) below the melting level, and graupel above. This zone seems to be characterized by relatively strong updraughts (5–10 m s−1), responsible both for the formation of graupel by riming and for the growth of drops due to coalescence. To the rear the systems are characterized by light rain (<5 mm h−1) below and snow or ice crystals above. These regions present downward flow below the melting layer, which prevents drop growth by condensation, consistent with the light rain observed. The stratiform part of these systems can be very non‐uniform, due to the presence of old cells dissipating, associated with moderate rain and thus stronger reflectivities. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society