Mendefera, formerly Adi Ugri, is an ancient town which is now the capital city of the Southern Region or Zoba Debub of Eritrea. The town's name derives from the high hill in the center of the city and it means that "who dared it" or "መን ደፈራ" as it was a jungle and is a source of pride to Eritreans. The city is a reminder of the local anti-colonial movement.