Sinis, as I understand it, the Libyans and Cushites fall in behind the King of the North. From what I can gather, the Libyans stands for the Arab block, and the Cushites for the African Union. Why do I say that? This is why:
The prophecy of Dan. 11:43 confirms what we already know. Libyans and Ethiopians “will be at his steps”. The expression indicates submission to authority. These will follow in the procession or train (crowd, LXX) of the King of the North. They will actively support the King of the North in his quest. In the MT and LXX these appear without the definite article, an indication that the words “Libyans” and “Ethiopians” are used in a general, wide-ranging and non-specific sense. In Bible times these would fight as mercenaries in Egypt’s armies, alongside the Sukkiim (cf. 2 Chron. 12:3) :
a. As seen, “ Libyans” would here be a collective name, referring to representatives of Arabic nations (Arab. lubí for all of white North Africa). As will be seen, the Bible refers specifically to the Putians (= inhabitants of Put) as living in the geographic area of the Libya of today. The Greek terms libues (LXX) and libuoun (Theodotion) seem to be even more comprehensive than Hebrew lubhîm according to Herodotus (II, 32), “Libyans, many tribes of them”.
Originally these Libyans would be incorporated in the Egyptian army. Eventually these would conquer Egypt (cf. 2 Chron. 12:3). The majority of nations formed by these tribes would adhere to the Muslim faith. This would serve as a unifying factor. Under the Islamic Ottomans, these tribes would eventually dominate southern Europe, as well as the Middle East. The Arab League, officially known as the League of Arab States, was formed in 1948. It is based in Cairo, Egypt, and consists of 22 members.
As seen, these are the ones in control of the world’s oil reserves, their cartel commonly known as OPEC. This is their stronghold (Theodotion). These would be included in the retinue of the King of the North. Over the years they would have amassed billions of Petrodollars which could effectively be used to manipulate world markets, to the detriment of the King of the South.
b. The designation “Ethiopians” of the LXX and Vg point to the only noteworthy black nation of Bible times. Quite a few modern translators prefer the literal “Cushites” as it has a broader meaning (Cushite = black man). Here it would be a collective name, referring to the African block of nations.
African nations would be grouped under the African Union or AU, formed in 2002, consisting of 53 states. The AU, successor of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), w ould serve as their stronghold. Ironically, t he AU’s secretariat, the African Union Authority, would be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The seat of the Pan-African Parliament, the highest legislative body of the AU, would be situated at Midrand, South Africa. The latter belongs to IBSA, an international tripartite grouping, promoting economic cooperation between South Africa, Brazil, and India. Under the leadership of Jacob Zuma, South Africa would be invited to join BRIC, another powerful bloc of emerging nations, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
The AU would represent the aspirations of black African nations, controlling a substantial percentage of the world’s oil reserves and natural resources. These will also be at the steps (or follow at the heels) of the King of the North. These would support him in his economic attack on the King of the South.
I try and fit in history with prophecy. Sheer speculation, you might say. Well, why not. Who of us don't love to speculate. And this is what is happening today, whether we like it or not.